maintain calm

USAGE SUMMARY

“maintain calm” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is feeling stressed or overwhelmed and needs to stay composed and level-headed. For example, "It's important to maintain calm during a stressful situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, can maintain calm, he said.

The New York Times

"Authorities present the response as an effort to maintain calm.

Independent

Intended to maintain calm, the ordinance succeeded in enforcing boredom.

The Economist

If they maintain calm, won't a distracted world forget their cause?

The Economist

"I have appealed to the people of Mumbai to maintain calm and peace," Mr. Chavan said.

The New York Times

Police called on Anwar's supporters to maintain calm and security at the court was tightened.

The Guardian

His only political agenda was to maintain calm and maintain power.

The Guardian

On Saturday, Mr. Annan called on Uganda to pressure the militias to maintain calm.

The New York Times

The state administration deployed paramilitary forces in four districts to maintain calm.

The Guardian

The station also said that his government was contacting other Palestinian factions in an attempt to maintain calm.

The New York Times

In November, the North Korean military struck again, shelling South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island, despite Chinese entreaties to maintain calm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maintain calm" in situations where active effort is required to prevent escalation or disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain calm" when describing naturally peaceful settings. It's more suitable for scenarios where there's a risk of unrest or agitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain calm" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where "maintain" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("calm"). It signifies the action of preserving or upholding a state of peace and order. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain calm" is a verb + noun construction widely used to describe the act of preserving peace and order, especially in potentially volatile situations. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse sources. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "preserve composure" and "keep the peace" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, while avoiding overuse in naturally peaceful contexts is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve composure

Focuses more on emotional regulation and self-control.

keep the peace

Emphasizes preventing disruptions and conflicts.

sustain tranquility

Highlights the continuation of a peaceful atmosphere.

uphold serenity

Implies actively supporting and defending a calm state.

ensure stability

Stresses the importance of a steady and secure environment.

promote order

Suggests taking action to establish and maintain a structured calm.

foster peace

Implies nurturing and encouraging a calm environment.

cultivate stillness

Focuses on developing and maintaining a state of inner quiet.

secure harmony

Highlights the achievement and preservation of a balanced and peaceful state.

guard equilibrium

Emphasizes protecting and maintaining a state of balance and calmness.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain calm" to describe efforts to prevent panic or disorder. For example, "The police worked to "maintain calm" during the protest."

What are some alternatives to "maintain calm"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "keep the peace", "preserve composure", or "ensure stability" as alternatives to "maintain calm".

Is it better to say "maintain calm" or "stay calm"?

"Maintain calm" usually refers to an external effort to keep a situation peaceful, while "stay calm" is a personal directive. For instance, authorities "maintain calm" in a crowd, while individuals try to "stay calm" during emergencies.

What is the difference between "maintain calm" and "restore calm"?

"Maintain calm" suggests preventing a disruption before it occurs. "Restore calm", on the other hand, implies bringing back peace after a disturbance has already happened. The first is preventive, while the second is remedial.