maintain a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain a" is not a complete sentence, so it would not be correct or usable in written English.
To be used in written English, it must be part of a complete sentence. For example: "It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to remain strong and fit."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

maintain a white background.

WikiHow

Always maintain a professional tone.

WikiHow

Maintain a cash cushion.

BBC

Maintain a personal touch.

Forbes

Maintain a little mystery.

WikiHow

Maintain a schedule.

WikiHow

Maintain a good rhythm.

WikiHow

Maintain a healthy mane.

WikiHow

Maintain a straight line.

WikiHow

Maintain a mature tone.

WikiHow

Maintain a good posture.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always follow "maintain a" with a noun or noun phrase to complete the meaning. For example, "maintain a positive attitude" or "maintain a clean environment".

Common error

Avoid using "maintain a" as a standalone phrase. Ensure it is always followed by a noun or noun phrase to form a complete and grammatically correct sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain a" functions as a transitive verb requiring a direct object. It introduces the action of keeping something in a particular state or condition. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is incomplete without a noun or noun phrase following it to specify what is being maintained. As demonstrated by Ludwig, complete examples include phrases like "maintain a professional tone" or "maintain a healthy diet".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "maintain a" is frequently used, it's grammatically incomplete and requires a noun or noun phrase to form a coherent sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is crucial to complete the phrase with an object, such as "maintain a healthy lifestyle" or "maintain a professional attitude". The primary function of "maintain a" is to advise or inform about upholding a specific state or standard. The usage is prevalent across various contexts, including WikiHow, news articles, and business documents, indicating a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve a

Focuses on keeping something in its current state, similar to "maintain a" but emphasizes preventing decay or loss.

sustain a

Highlights the continuous effort needed to keep something going, adding an element of ongoing support that "maintain a" might not always imply.

retain a

Emphasizes holding onto something that you already possess, focusing on not losing it.

keep up a

Suggests an effort to maintain a certain level or standard, implying a degree of active pursuit.

uphold a

Implies a commitment to defend and preserve a principle, law, or agreement.

ensure a

Focuses on guaranteeing that something is maintained, adding a layer of certainty.

continue with a

Emphasizes the continuation of an action or state, suggesting that it was already in progress.

hold onto a

Suggests clinging to something in order to maintain it.

administer a

Refers to the process of managing or governing something to maintain its proper function or condition.

conduct a

Implies directing or managing something to maintain a particular outcome or process.

FAQs

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

"Maintain a" requires a noun phrase to complete its meaning. For example, you can say "maintain a professional attitude", "maintain a healthy lifestyle", or "maintain a strong relationship".

What phrases are similar to "maintain a"?

Similar phrases include "preserve a", "sustain a", and "retain a", each with slight differences in nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say just "maintain a"?

No, "maintain a" is an incomplete phrase. It needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase to make sense grammatically. Saying just "maintain a" is like saying "eat a" without specifying what you are eating.

What's the difference between "maintain a" and "achieve a"?

"Maintain a" implies keeping something in its current state or condition, while "achieve a" suggests reaching or attaining a specific goal or result. For instance, you "maintain a healthy weight", but you "achieve a high score".