maintain ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain ability" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts discussing the preservation of a skill or capacity, but it is better to clarify what ability is being maintained. Example: "To succeed in this competitive market, we must maintain our ability to innovate and adapt."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The results indicate that porcine DFAT cells maintain ability to undergo differentiation of adipocytes, osteoblasts, and myocytes by prolonged passaging.

BioMed Research International

14 One way to promote and maintain ability in everyday activities in people with pain-related conditions is to use individualized, integrated behavioral medicine in physical therapy interventions.

Clinical interventions in aging

As was observed, phages that are used against anthrax spores should be resistant to harsh environmental conditions, for example, dryness, ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and bodily fluids,to maintain ability to kill bacteria [ 71].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

According to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), the aims of Occupational Therapy (OT) are "... to promote, develop, restore and maintain abilities needed to cope with daily activities to prevent dysfunction.

BMC Public Health

Thus, they have high reliability and strong surface accuracy maintaining ability.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Conclusion was that more than five lines of each genotype showed maintaining ability in the Jin 23B background.

Rice

Principal among those reasons was the less invasive nature offered by epidural implantation, while still maintaining ability to generate therapeutic effects within the dorsal columns.

BioMed Research International

The studies showed the features of 'loosely-coupled' respiration, i.e. deficient respiratory control with a partially maintained ability to synthesise ATP.

Diabetologia

This study is well placed not only to identify factors associated with decline but also factors associated with maintaining abilities in older age.

BMC Geriatrics

The treating physiotherapist will evaluate goal attainment in the intervention group using a four-point scale: deterioration from baseline ability, maintained baseline ability, goal met, goal exceeded.

BMJ Open

The study suggests some people recruit extra nerve power to help maintain their ability to think.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain ability", specify the ability being maintained for clarity. For example, instead of "maintain ability", consider "maintain the ability to innovate" or "maintain cognitive abilities".

Common error

Avoid using "maintain ability" without specifying what ability is being maintained. The phrase can be vague without a clear object. Instead of saying "the program helps maintain ability", specify what ability the program maintains, such as "the program helps maintain physical ability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain ability" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, indicating the act of preserving or sustaining a capacity or skill. As Ludwig AI highlights, specifying the ability enhances clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain ability" is a verb phrase indicating the act of preserving or sustaining a capacity or skill. While grammatically acceptable and frequently found in diverse contexts like science and news, Ludwig AI suggests that it sometimes benefits from more specific wording for enhanced clarity. Related phrases such as "sustain capability" or "preserve skill" can offer more precise alternatives. To use the phrase effectively, it is best to specify the ability being maintained, thereby avoiding vagueness and ensuring clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain capability

Replaces "maintain" with "sustain" and "ability" with "capability", offering a more formal tone.

preserve skill

Focuses on maintaining a specific skill rather than a general ability, implying a learned competence.

retain competence

Emphasizes the maintenance of a qualified and capable state.

uphold proficiency

Highlights the maintenance of a high level of skill or expertise.

keep up aptitude

Focuses on preserving a natural talent or capacity.

secure capacity

Highlights the actions to ensure that a certain ability or capacity is safeguarded or secured.

foster talent

Emphasizes the nurtuting the talent in order to maintain it.

cultivate potential

Suggests actively developing and maintaining underlying capabilities.

promote adeptness

Focuses on actively encouraging and improving skill.

bolster strength

Emphasizes the reinforcement of an existing ability.

FAQs

What does "maintain ability" mean?

The phrase "maintain ability" refers to preserving or sustaining a particular capacity, skill, or power. It implies an effort to ensure that the ability is not lost or diminished over time.

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

You can use "maintain ability" in sentences like: "Regular exercise helps to "maintain physical ability"" or "The company invests in training to "maintain competitive ability"."

What are some alternatives to "maintain ability"?

Alternatives include "sustain capability", "preserve skill", or "retain competence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "maintain ability" formal or informal?

The phrase "maintain ability" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but a more precise and formal alternative might be preferred in academic or professional settings.