keeps maintaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps maintaining" is not standard in written English and may sound redundant.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the ongoing action of maintaining something, but it is generally better to choose a more concise expression. Example: "She keeps maintaining the garden despite the weather challenges."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If Federer keeps maintaining the status quo at age 28, he will be the first man since Bill Tilden in the 1920s to win six consecutive titles here.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We've been maintaining it all this time, and we'll keep maintaining it".

The New York Times

"He kept maintaining it was a clock, but there was no broader explanation".

The Guardian - Tech

They got themselves so far in … pretending there was nothing amiss with Savile, they had to keep maintaining that myth".

The Guardian

"The world should see that if they keep maintaining the status quo, it will get you nothing but more bloodshed.

The Guardian

One day the BBC will have to stop broadcasting Radio 4 in long wave on 198, because the BBC can't keep maintaining the expensive transmission equipment.

The Guardian

The disparity recalls the early days of the Vietnam War, when many officers in the field reported that the war was being lost, while the generals at headquarters kept maintaining that it was being won.

The New Yorker

I have nothing but respect for his abilities as a trainer, the way he plans out a campaign for his horses, the way his horses fulfil their potential and then keep maintaining that level of performance.

The Guardian - Sport

The second is cheaper in the short term, but is poorly understood, will create global regions who are losers, and also means that humans have to keep maintaining the earth's annual atmospheric injection".

The Guardian

I will try to keep maintaining this post so that it remains up to date.

TechCrunch

Of course, Twitter has no obligation to keep maintaining the API.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "keeps maintaining" isn't incorrect, prioritize conciseness. Opt for alternatives like "continues to maintain" or "consistently maintains" to streamline your writing and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid stacking similar verbs like "keeps maintaining" as it can weaken your message. Choose a single verb that adequately conveys the intended meaning, such as simply "maintains".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps maintaining" functions as a compound verb phrase, indicating the continuation of an action. It emphasizes the ongoing effort involved in maintaining something, though Ludwig AI suggests more concise alternatives are often preferable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps maintaining" is grammatically acceptable but often considered redundant. Ludwig AI suggests using more concise alternatives like "continues to maintain" or "consistently maintains" for improved clarity. While its usage spans across news media, science, and wiki sources, it's relatively rare. When writing, aim for conciseness and avoid stacking similar verbs. Although "keeps maintaining" can be used to emphasize persistent action, more direct phrasing typically strengthens your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to maintain

Replaces "keeps" with "continues", offering a more standard and slightly more formal tone.

continually maintains

Similar to "continues to maintain" but with a stronger sense of uninterrupted action.

consistently maintains

Focuses on the uniformity and regularity of the maintenance efforts.

persistently maintains

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the maintenance with the addition of "persistently".

diligently maintains

Focuses on the careful and conscientious nature of the maintenance.

always maintains

Implies that the maintenance is a constant and unwavering practice.

unfailingly maintains

Highlights the reliability and dependability of the maintenance efforts.

steadfastly maintains

Emphasizes the unwavering and determined nature of the maintenance.

repeatedly maintains

Highlights the repetition aspect, suggesting that maintenance is done multiple times.

resolutely maintains

Suggests a firm and unwavering commitment to maintenance, even in the face of challenges.

FAQs

Is "keeps maintaining" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "keeps maintaining" is considered redundant. It's better to use a more concise phrase like "continues to maintain" or "consistently maintains".

What's a more formal alternative to "keeps maintaining"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "persistently maintains" or "steadfastly maintains". These options provide a stronger sense of ongoing commitment.

When is it appropriate to use "keeps maintaining"?

While generally avoidable, "keeps maintaining" could be used when you want to emphasize the continuous and repetitive nature of an action. However, even in such cases, rephrasing for conciseness is usually preferable.

What are some common synonyms for "maintaining"?

Common synonyms for "maintaining" include "preserving", "conserving", "sustaining", and "upholding". The best choice depends on the specific context.