maintain at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain at once" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where immediate action is required to keep something in a certain state or condition, but it is better to clarify the intent. Example: "Please maintain at once the current temperature settings in the laboratory to ensure accurate results."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thurner was especially interested in testing the theory in anthropology that there is a limit to the number of face-to-face relationships a person can maintain at once.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, the composition of the migrants' networks, a variable that taps into perceptions of integration, network participation, and the number of different networks maintained at once, suggests a causal mechanism that should be probed in future research: international or mixed networks seem to mobilize new forms of transnational engagement while maintaining electoral engagement.

Comparative Migration Studies

His mistresses were kept out of affairs of state, and it was mere geographic convenience and economy that caused him to maintain several at once in the different towns where he held court.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He recommended that troop levels be maintained at around 140,000 once the withdrawal of 30,000 troops sent to Iraq in a "surge" operation is completed in July.

The Economist

All the interviewees actively maintain several networks at once: they stay in touch with their families and a select circle of friends in Poland – and they talk about the effort it takes to maintain these networks (see also Bell, 2016).

Comparative Migration Studies

Seedling germination was carried out sequentially and all seeds from a maternal family were not germinated at the same time, as there was not enough space to germinate and maintain all seedlings at once.

AoB PLANTS

Both platelet monocyte conjugate and microparticle measures are depressed by NAC compared with placebo within 2 h of administration and the effect is maintained at day 7 following once-daily dosing on the intervening days.

Diabetologia

Snow on the Roof--Fire in the Furnace--predictors of sustained productivity include keeping knowledge and skills up-to-date, developing vital networks, and maintaining several projects at once.

Science Magazine

H2S inhalation alone does not influence glucose metabolism once temperature is maintained at normothermic levels in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated mice.

Critical Care

Can FD maintain dominance once common?

Plosone

The soil moisture was maintained at 50% WHC by weighing the soil sample once a day.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain at once", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action of maintaining and the timing of 'at once' both refer to the same immediate moment. Rephrasing might be needed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain at once" when you mean "maintain immediately" if the context doesn't explicitly imply immediacy. In some situations, "maintain simultaneously" would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain at once" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of upholding or preserving something without delay. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts requiring immediate action. The grammatical function is to emphasize the urgency of the maintenance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain at once" is grammatically acceptable, albeit somewhat uncommon, and aims to convey a sense of immediacy in preserving a state or condition. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not frequently used and may sound awkward or unclear in some contexts. The most appropriate contexts for its use include science, news, and encyclopedias, though it's advisable to consider more direct alternatives like "sustain immediately" or "preserve without delay" for improved clarity. While the phrase is understandable, ensuring clear communication by choosing more common alternatives is generally preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain immediately

Emphasizes the need for prompt action in maintaining a condition.

preserve without delay

Highlights the urgency in preserving something.

uphold instantaneously

Stresses the immediate action required to uphold a standard or state.

conserve promptly

Focuses on quick conservation efforts.

keep up directly

Implies a straightforward and immediate continuation.

continue forthwith

Uses a more formal tone to indicate immediate continuation.

retain instantly

Highlights the immediate retention of a state or condition.

secure presently

Focuses on securing something in the current moment.

maintain simultaneously

Focuses on maintaining several elements or factors in parallel.

keep in sync presently

Conveys the need to keep a series of things synchronised without hesitation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "maintain at once" can be used when something needs to be sustained without any delay. For example, "Please maintain "current temperature settings" at once to ensure accurate results."

What are some alternatives to "maintain at once"?

You can use alternatives such as "sustain immediately", "preserve without delay", or "uphold instantaneously" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "maintain at once"?

While not the most common phrasing, "maintain at once" is grammatically acceptable but can sound awkward. It's essential to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by choosing more direct phrasing when possible.

In what contexts is "maintain at once" most appropriate?

The phrase is most appropriate in contexts where immediate and continued action is required, though other phrasings might communicate that idea more clearly. Consider alternatives if the context is not explicit.