maintain an image

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain an image" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to keep up a particular public perception or appearance. Example: The celebrity's team works hard to maintain an image of perfection, carefully managing their social media presence and public appearances.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

These displays also require continuous power to maintain an image.

MIT Technology Review

The man explained, "I try to still maintain an image that I'm a normal person".

The New York Times

Right now, the GOP field is muddled by the inability of any candidate to maintain an image of electability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Women aren't the only discontents though: many men feel it's exhausting to maintain an image of sexual prowess.

The New York Times

Outlasting musical fads, from glam to punk to rave, Cliff has nevertheless sought to maintain an image relevant to each musical era.

Independent

The regime plays down political news to maintain an image of continuity following Fidel's retirement.The underlying motives for the changes are so far hard to discern.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

People in Hollywood are often simultaneously maintaining an image and reinventing themselves.

The New York Times

However, maintaining an image's intensity, shape, texture and gradient information during feature extraction is very challenging.

Heliyon

Ced's big issue seems more about maintaining an image of "the integrity of the game" than dealing with a student problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Even as some of his most avid supporters have been sent to prison and their publications have been silenced, he has maintained an image of serene probity.

The New York Times

Adelstein does little to dismiss such rumors, apart from maintaining an image so flamboyant that it would shame any actual agency man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing public figures or brands, consider whether their efforts to "maintain an image" are authentic or manipulative.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain an image" when discussing genuine character or integrity. The phrase often implies a degree of artificiality or strategic presentation, which might be inappropriate in contexts where authenticity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain an image" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of preserving a specific public perception or appearance. It's frequently used to describe efforts to control or influence how someone or something is viewed, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain an image" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the act of preserving a particular public perception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a phrase frequently found in contexts related to News & Media, Science and Formal & Business communication. When using "maintain an image", it's important to consider the potential connotations of superficiality. While useful for describing brand management or public relations efforts, it might not be appropriate when discussing genuine character or integrity. Alternative phrases like "preserve one's image", "uphold a reputation", and "project a persona" offer nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve one's image

Focuses on safeguarding an existing image, with less emphasis on active creation.

uphold a reputation

Emphasizes preserving a good name or standing.

project a persona

Highlights the act of outwardly displaying a particular character or role.

cultivate an appearance

Suggests a deliberate effort to develop and refine a specific outward look.

sustain a facade

Implies maintaining a deceptive or artificial exterior.

keep up appearances

Focuses on conforming to social expectations or preventing embarrassment.

manage public perception

Highlights the act of strategically influencing how one is seen by others.

control one's narrative

Emphasizes shaping the story or information surrounding oneself.

shape public opinion

Focuses on influencing the views of the general public.

foster a perception

Suggests nurturing or promoting a specific view or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain an image" to describe efforts to preserve a specific public perception, as in: "The company invests heavily in public relations to "maintain an image" of environmental responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "maintain an image"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "preserve one's image", "uphold a reputation", or "project a persona".

Is it always negative to say someone is trying to "maintain an image"?

Not necessarily. While the phrase can imply superficiality, it can also describe legitimate efforts to manage public perception or represent a brand's values. The connotation depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "maintain an image" and "build a reputation"?

"Maintain an image" suggests preserving an existing perception, while "build a reputation" implies creating a positive public perception from the ground up. "Building a reputation" often takes more time and consistent actions.