maintain appearances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain appearances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean keep up a certain image or behavior, or to make something seem acceptable or proper. For example, "He didn't want to disappoint his family, so he tried to maintain appearances by attending all the family gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"They would do anything to maintain appearances," he said.

The New York Times

In a crumbling old Victorian home, a family crumbles while doing their best to maintain appearances and lie to themselves.

The Guardian - Books

In June 2012, on the day of his election, Morsi seemed to understand the need to maintain appearances.

The Guardian

"I think they bring minorities in the door to maintain appearances, and so they can say they are diverse," he said of the agency.

The New York Times

"In the activist movement, conflict is often regarded as an aberration, hence this need to maintain appearances of harmony and constant consensus.

The Guardian - Opinion

But does it cost £1,235-a-day to maintain appearances when you get an 80% staff discount on the in-house clobber?

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Corean believed in maintaining appearances.

The New Yorker

At family gatherings he maintained appearances.

The New York Times

And even when that ran out, Modigliani maintained appearances.

The New York Times - Books

Women played a critical role in maintaining appearances by calling at the correct houses and hosting selective soirées.

The Economist

The parents in Inge's plays don't know how their children feel, because they're eaten up by the effort of maintaining appearances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain appearances", ensure the context is clear about what specific image or behavior is being upheld. The phrase often implies a discrepancy between outward presentation and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain appearances" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, more precise language might better convey the intended meaning in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain appearances" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed to uphold a certain outward image or impression. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts where individuals or groups consciously strive to project a particular image.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain appearances" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of upholding a specific outward image or behavior, often to conceal underlying realities. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources. While useful for conveying a sense of deliberate image management, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "keep up appearances" or "uphold an image" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis. Examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in diverse scenarios, showing its broad applicability in describing human behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keep up appearances

Focuses on the continuous effort to maintain an image.

Keep up appearances

Similar to the original query, but with a slightly more colloquial tone.

Uphold an image

Suggests a deliberate and conscious effort to maintain a specific perception.

Preserve a facade

Emphasizes the artificial or constructed nature of the outward presentation.

Present a specific image

Focuses on the active presentation of a chosen image.

Maintain a pretense

Highlights the deceptive aspect of the outward presentation.

Preserve outward respectability

Highlights maintaining a socially acceptable presentation.

Keep up the charade

Implies a more elaborate and potentially deceptive effort to maintain an illusion.

Put on a show

Suggests a performative aspect, implying an active demonstration of a particular image.

Keep up the front

Implies concealing true feelings or circumstances behind a deceptive exterior.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain appearances" to describe someone trying to look like everything is okay, even when it isn't. For example, "Despite the company's financial troubles, they tried to maintain appearances of success."

What does it mean to "maintain appearances"?

To "maintain appearances" means to keep up a specific image or behavior, even if it is not genuine or accurate. It often suggests a desire to hide a different reality.

Which is a better alternative to "maintain appearances": "keep up appearances" or "be honest"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Maintain appearances" and "keep up appearances" emphasize outward presentation, while "be honest" focuses on truthfulness. They serve different communicative goals.

Is it always negative to "maintain appearances"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a discrepancy between reality and presentation, sometimes "maintain appearances" can be about preserving decorum or stability in a difficult situation.