it can be maintained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be maintained that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to assert or argue a point that you believe is valid or can be supported by evidence. Example: "In light of recent studies, it can be maintained that regular exercise significantly improves mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a quite serious sense, it can be maintained that these actually are the early days of a new administration.

The New Yorker

It can be maintained that design improvements increase the efficiency of capital goods so that a dollar's worth of machinery purchased today may be much more efficient than a dollar's worth of depreciated machinery purchased yesterday.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it can be maintained that the player still has her free choice.

SEP

It can be maintained that justice is concerned with this notion of luck independently of how it relates to responsibility and desert.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But if progress in desalination technology can be maintained, that will change over the next few decades.

Huffington Post

Within the second perspective, it can be maintained either that the risks of current direct-to-consumer personal genome testing of low clinical validity are not sufficiently serious to justify any infliction upon consumer autonomy and liberty of choice, or that the benefits of testing outweigh the risks (see Table 2).

BMC Medical Ethics

He remains firmly committed to the peg, in spite of growing international scepticism that it can be maintained, and growing doubts that it makes economic sense for a country in such straitened circumstances.

The Economist

Ultimately, humanity needs to find ways to lessen its impact upon ecosystems to help prevent environmental degradation such that our unique global biodiversity, and the evolutionary processes that promote it, can be maintained.

Ecological Processes

Today we are beginning to realize that this kind of growth is no longer possible, nor even desirable; that it can be maintained only at greater and greater cost to human beings and the planet.

Huffington Post

Using PM technology to determine nutrients that stimulated respiration, they have ultimately succeeded in optimizing axenic culture conditions so that it can be maintained in a viable and metabolically active state outside of its host cell for >24 h (Bochner et al., 2008).

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

It is shown that it can be maintained under approximate sampling up to the order of the system itself.

European Journal of Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be maintained that" to introduce a point you intend to support with logical reasoning or evidence. It signals a considered position, not merely a personal opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be maintained that" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for formal essays, academic papers, or professional reports where a degree of objectivity and formality is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be maintained that" functions as a discourse marker. It introduces a claim or proposition that the writer intends to defend or support with evidence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase introduces a point that is presented as reasoned, not just opinion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be maintained that" is a phrase used to introduce a defensible claim or argument, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signals a reasoned position rather than a mere opinion. Predominantly found in formal and scientific contexts, it requires careful usage to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like ""it can be argued that"" offer similar functionality with slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure that the claim you are introducing is indeed supportable with evidence or logical reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be argued that

Changes the verb from "maintained" to "argued", suggesting a point open to debate.

it is arguable that

Rephrases to emphasize the debatable nature of the statement.

it is asserted that

Uses "asserted" to convey a strong declaration, possibly without full proof.

it is posited that

Employs "posited" to indicate the introduction of an idea or theory.

it is contended that

Replaces with "contended", highlighting a point asserted in the face of potential opposition.

one could argue that

Shifts to a more tentative tone, suggesting a possible argument.

it is believed that

Indicates the statement reflects a common belief or opinion.

it is understood that

Suggests the statement is a generally accepted fact.

the argument can be made that

Focuses on the potential for constructing an argument around the statement.

evidence suggests that

Frames the statement as supported by available evidence.

FAQs

What does "it can be maintained that" mean?

The phrase "it can be maintained that" is used to introduce a statement as a defensible position or argument. It implies that the statement is not just an opinion, but something that can be supported with evidence or reasoning.

When is it appropriate to use "it can be maintained that"?

Use "it can be maintained that" in formal writing, such as academic papers, essays, or reports, where you need to present an argument in a measured and reasoned manner. It's also appropriate when introducing a controversial or debated point.

What are some alternatives to "it can be maintained that"?

Alternatives include "it can be argued that", "it is asserted that", or "it is posited that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the strength and support for the statement.

How does "it can be maintained that" differ from "it is believed that"?

"It can be maintained that" suggests a reasoned argument with supporting evidence, while "it is believed that" implies a generally held opinion or faith-based conviction. Use "it can be maintained that" when you can offer justification for your statement, whereas use "it is believed that" when you are referring to a commonly held point of view.