in maintaining that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in maintaining that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone is asserting or upholding a particular argument or belief. Example: "The author is in maintaining that climate change is primarily caused by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But now it faces new challenges in maintaining that lead.

The New York Times

"We are interested in maintaining that consensus when we come out of that meeting".

The New York Times

Such pestering can't be helpful in maintaining that suspension of disbelief.

The New Yorker

"I was invested in maintaining that narrative as a way to love her," Thea wrote.

The New York Times

The real difficulty lies in maintaining that infrastructure once it is built.

The Economist

"One can always ask a doctor if he or she is board-certified and involved in maintaining that certification.

The New York Times - Health

The appeal of the "Portland lifestyle" – in which food pods play no small role – is a crucial factor in maintaining that stream of new blood.

The Guardian

The Pentagon was far from alone in maintaining that Saddam possessed weapons which, after all, he'd actually used in the past.

The Guardian - Film

"Hitchcock/Truffaut," a movie about a glorious cinematic legacy, plays its own part in maintaining that legacy, and makes its own place in that history.

The New Yorker

Eisler also supported Pudovkin in maintaining that film music should create its own sense of line independently of, although related to, the film narrative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Second, all nations "are under an obligation not to recognize the illegal situation arising from the construction of the wall, and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining that situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in maintaining that" to introduce a viewpoint that might be controversial or debated, thereby adding weight to the subject's conviction. This is different from simply stating an obvious fact.

Common error

Avoid using "in maintaining that" for trivial or uncontested statements. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the subject is defending a specific viewpoint or belief against potential challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in maintaining that" serves as a connector, specifically indicating purpose and reason. It introduces a clause that explains the basis for a previous statement, essentially linking a cause or rationale to an action or belief. Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in maintaining that" is a commonly used connector that signals purpose or justification, used to support a claim or action. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous real-world examples confirms that it is grammatically sound and prevalent across various reputable sources, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. This phrase serves to introduce a consistent and defended viewpoint, adding weight and credibility to the subject's conviction. Avoiding its overuse in simple assertions and reserving it for substantiated arguments is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in asserting that

Focuses on the act of stating a belief or opinion confidently and forcefully. It emphasizes the declaration aspect more than the sustained support implied by the original phrase.

in contending that

Suggests arguing or stating something as a position in an argument. It implies a more combative or argumentative context compared to the original phrase.

in holding that

Indicates a belief or opinion that is firmly held. It emphasizes the conviction behind the statement, highlighting a personal conviction.

in claiming that

Emphasizes the act of stating something as a fact, often implying that the claim might be disputed or require proof. It carries a slightly less certain tone than the original phrase.

in arguing that

Suggests presenting reasons or evidence to support a conclusion. It emphasizes the logical reasoning and justification behind the statement.

in insisting that

Highlights the firmness and persistence of the assertion. It implies a strong unwillingness to concede or compromise.

in defending that

Focuses on protecting or supporting a statement against opposition. It suggests a reactive stance, responding to challenges or criticisms.

in upholding that

Implies maintaining or supporting a principle or decision. It emphasizes adherence to established standards or values.

in postulating that

Suggests presenting something as a hypothesis or theory. It's more formal and academic than the original phrase, emphasizing the speculative nature of the assertion.

in stipulating that

Focuses on specifying or establishing something as a condition or requirement. It implies a precise and formal agreement or definition.

FAQs

What does "in maintaining that" mean?

The phrase "in maintaining that" means asserting, defending, or consistently holding a particular belief or position. It suggests a continuous and firm conviction, often in the face of potential opposition or doubt.

How can I use "in maintaining that" in a sentence?

You can use "in maintaining that" to introduce a statement that someone is consistently arguing for or upholding. For example: "The scientist is in maintaining that climate change is primarily caused by human activity".

What are some alternatives to "in maintaining that"?

Alternatives include "in asserting that", "in contending that", or "in holding that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of asserting or defending a position.

When is it appropriate to use "in maintaining that" versus other similar phrases?

Use "in maintaining that" when you want to emphasize the consistency and persistence of a belief or argument. If you want to focus more on the act of stating a belief, use "in asserting that". If you want to highlight the argumentative nature of the statement, use "in contending that".