maintain a position

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintain a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe someone or something maintaining a stance or opinion over a period of time. For example, "The speaker managed to maintain her position despite the criticism from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

PASS was used to assess ability to maintain a position and to maintain equilibrium during positional changes such as turning in bed, sitting up from a supine position, standing up, picking an object off the floor and standing on one leg.

BMJ Open

You have to learn how to maintain a position or get a new position without crashing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Similarly, he said it was critical to maintain a position on the leader board.

The New York Times

"My gut feeling is that we will maintain a position at the top end of the Premier League," Reed says.

The Guardian - Sport

Mosley, 36, was the wily veteran, looking to maintain a position near the top of the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

That is, the breaking point will move along the wave crest at a rate that will allow the surfer to maintain a position just ahead of it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Publicly, Time Warner was maintaining a position of contrition.

The New York Times

Still, even while Mr. Yushchenko supporters tried to force a political confrontation, the state maintained a position of official calm.

The New York Times

"The 30-year bond," he said, "no longer maintains a position of significance in the financial markets".

The New York Times

"From my vantage point, Mark established and maintained a position that is the envy of the industry".

The New York Times

Throughout most of her career, Graham maintained a position as the foremost figure in American modern dance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain a position", ensure the context clearly defines what type of position is being maintained, whether it's a physical stance, a ranking, or an ideological viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain a position" without specifying what kind of position is being maintained. For example, instead of saying "The company struggled to maintain a position", clarify it as "The company struggled to maintain a position as market leader".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain a position" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used with an object to describe the act of sustaining or preserving a specific condition, rank, or stance. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

26%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain a position" is a versatile and commonly used expression denoting the act of preserving a specific condition, rank, or viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its relevance across different fields. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the type of position being maintained, and remember to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases, such as "hold one's ground" or "preserve a status", can add nuance to your writing. With a solid expert rating of 4.5, the phrase stands as a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold one's ground

This alternative uses a more figurative and combative tone.

keep one's place

This alternative emphasizes maintaining a specific rank or order.

preserve a status

This alternative focuses on the preservation of an established condition or standing.

sustain a role

This alternative suggests the continuous support or upholding of a particular function or part.

uphold a stance

This alternative highlights the defense and maintenance of a particular opinion or belief.

retain a post

This alternative refers specifically to keeping a job or official assignment.

defend a viewpoint

This alternative emphasizes protecting an opinion from opposition.

secure a foothold

This alternative describes achieving and maintaining a basic level of stability or recognition.

keep in contention

This alternative is specific to remaining competitive or eligible in a competition.

assert dominance

This alternative implies taking and maintaining a leading or controlling role.

FAQs

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

The phrase "maintain a position" can be used to describe holding a specific rank, viewpoint, or physical stance. For example: "The athlete trained hard to maintain a position at the top of the leaderboard" or "The politician struggled to maintain a position of neutrality during the debate".

What are some alternatives to "maintain a position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hold one's ground", "keep one's place", or "preserve a status".

Is it better to say "maintain a position" or "hold a position"?

"Maintain a position" suggests an ongoing effort to keep something already attained, while "hold a position" simply implies possessing it at a given moment. For example, you might "hold a position" initially and then work to "maintain a position" over time.

How does "maintain a position" differ from "achieve a position"?

"Achieve a position" indicates the action of attaining something, whereas "maintain a position" focuses on the continued effort to preserve it after it has been achieved. "Achieve a position" is about getting there, while "maintain a position" is about staying there.