it might be maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might be maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that a certain argument or position could be upheld or defended in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In the context of environmental policy, it might be maintained that stricter regulations are necessary to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Participants in the venture, known as FutureGen 2.0., are to meet next week to work out how they might get access to the old plant, which Ameren recently said it would shut down by the end of the year, and how it might be maintained until the remaining partners are ready to take it over.

The New York Times

Or it might be maintained that, at least in certain cases, the "preempted backup" is actually an overdetermining cause.

SEP

Here it might be maintained that the effect occurred not because of, but despite, the preemptor (Eells 1991, Mellor 1995).

SEP

Still, it might be maintained that the most informative discovery procedure is one that embodies no-holds-barred competition among communities.

SEP

Even more radically, it might be maintained that moral predicates do not even purport to refer to properties and that this explains why the relevant questions seem open.

SEP

Those foundational claims, it might be maintained, are held true on the grounds of adequately supporting evidence, such as successful arguments of natural theology and/or evidence for miraculous endorsement of a prophet's authority.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

So while the force's current level of 12,500 troops might be maintained, it will be difficult to raise it to the 20,500 that Secretary General Kofi Annan and the Security Council want.

The New York Times

It indicates that these substitutions might be maintained in evolution to preserve the salt bridges.

Plosone

"We'd be surprised if there were not very high level discussions ongoing now about how that might be maintained — whether it's passporting or some other method".

TechCrunch

"John Goodman Monologue" (Goodman, Thompson) In retrospect, this is almost a shame – because Goodman looked like he was having so much fun singing his "booty" song that it at least appeared like that energy might be maintained throughout the show.

Huffington Post

For example, this general position might be maintained on the ground that each society has its own conceptual framework and that conceptual frameworks are incommensurable with one another.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it might be maintained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it might be maintained" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak and less engaging. Try rephrasing with active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might be maintained" functions as a modal construction expressing possibility and passive voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that something could be upheld or kept in a particular state. The construction frames the subject as being acted upon, rather than performing the action itself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it might be maintained" is a grammatically correct modal construction used to express the possibility that something could be upheld or continued. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is viable and valid. It is most commonly found in scientific, news media, and encyclopedic contexts, exhibiting a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, it serves the purpose of presenting propositions or arguments with a degree of uncertainty. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what 'it' refers to and consider the potential for overusing passive voice. Alternatives such as "it could be preserved" and "it may be sustained" offer similar nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be preserved

Emphasizes the possibility of keeping something in its current state.

it may be sustained

Suggests the possibility of something continuing or being supported.

it could be upheld

Focuses on the possibility of something being defended or supported.

it may be conserved

Highlights the potential for preserving resources or elements.

it could be retained

Indicates the possibility of keeping something without significant changes.

it might be conserved

Emphasizes the possibility of preserving something carefully.

it could be supported

Suggests that something may receive backing or approval.

it may be safeguarded

Highlights the possibility of protecting something from harm or damage.

it could be perpetuated

Focuses on the potential for something to continue into the future.

it may be prolonged

Indicates the possibility of extending the duration of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it might be maintained" in a sentence?

Use "it might be maintained" to suggest that a particular condition, argument, or state could be upheld or continued. For example, "It might be maintained that stricter regulations are necessary."

What are some alternatives to "it might be maintained"?

Alternatives include "it could be preserved", "it may be sustained", or "it could be upheld" depending on the specific context.

Is "it might be maintained" formal or informal?

"It might be maintained" is generally considered neutral to formal and suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. More informal situations would use a less formal expression, such as "it could keep going".

What's the difference between "it might be maintained" and "it is maintained"?

"It might be maintained" suggests a possibility or a hypothetical scenario, whereas "it is maintained" indicates a current or established fact. The former is speculative, while the latter is assertive.