just maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to keep a certain state or condition without making changes. Example: "In order to ensure the system runs smoothly, you need to just maintain the current settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just maintain.

The New Yorker

Don't just maintain it.

Harvard Business Review

Do not overwater or feed them; just maintain them.

The New York Times - Style

But Congress now wants to do more than just maintain the existing arsenal.

The Economist

The task is often to build an IT system, not just maintain or upgrade it.

The Economist

Then to do it in the second half and just maintain.

The New York Times - Sports

"We will not just maintain, but we will build this program".

The New York Times - Sports

It wouldn't just maintain the existing rules; it would make changes for the good of the system.

University of California, Berkeley

XenSource is collaborating with the Xen development community in a call for those new features and tools, so as to not just maintain the existing binaries.

The Best Damn Server Virtualization Book Period

"We just maintain that there are a lot of different ways that you can draw lines on a map.

The New York Times

How do you just maintain calm?' " Mrs. Lezama-Clark said the other afternoon, a soft Trinidadian lilt spicing her voice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just maintain", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being preserved. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "just maintain" when more precise verbs could enhance your writing. For instance, instead of "just maintain the temperature", consider "regulate the temperature" or "stabilize the temperature" for improved clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just maintain" functions as a verb phrase typically used to express the idea of preserving a current condition or state. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying stability and continuity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just maintain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that effectively conveys the idea of preserving a current state or condition. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. While "just maintain" is versatile, it's important to consider more descriptive alternatives to enhance writing precision. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communications, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific discourse. Remember to specify the object being maintained to avoid ambiguity. Ultimately, understanding the communicative purpose and context is key to effectively employing "just maintain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply preserve

Focuses on the simplicity of keeping something as it is, without extra effort.

simply retain

Highlights holding onto something without alteration.

just preserve

Similar to simply preserve but with a slight variation in emphasis.

only preserve

Variation of just preserve, emphasizing exclusivity.

merely uphold

Emphasizes the act of supporting or defending the current condition.

only sustain

Highlights the action of keeping something in existence or operation.

only keep up

Focuses on maintaining pace or level with something.

solely conserve

Emphasizes the careful preservation and prevention of loss or waste.

merely conserve

Similar to solely conserve, but with less intensity.

just conserve

Emphasizes using resources carefully to keep the existing state.

FAQs

How can I use "just maintain" in a sentence?

You can use "just maintain" to describe keeping something at its current level or condition. For example, "We need to "just maintain" the current level of funding for the project to succeed."

What are some alternatives to "just maintain"?

Alternatives include "simply preserve", "merely uphold", or "only sustain", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "just maintain"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "just maintain" can make your writing less engaging. Consider stronger verbs that provide more detail about how something is being preserved. Using words like "regulate" or "stabilize" instead of "just maintain" can enhance the writing.

What's the difference between "just maintain" and "simply preserve"?

"Just maintain" implies keeping something at its current state, while ""simply preserve"" emphasizes the act of preventing damage or change to something. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing stability or protection.