maintain conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of holding firm beliefs or principles, especially in challenging situations. Example: "Despite the criticism, she chose to maintain conviction in her values and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Enlightenment begins by unleashing skepticism in attacking limited, circumscribed targets, but once the skeptical genie is out of the bottle, it becomes difficult to maintain conviction in any authority.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

New Yorkers often maintain convictions about their open-mindedness safely from within the contained, controlled worlds where they've chosen to live.

The New York Times

He spells out integrity as (a) a disposition to develop and maintain convictions in an epistemically responsible way; (b) self-awareness of the quality of one's judgment in matters of conviction; (c) a disposition to do justice to one's convictions in action.

SEP

7 This belief bias for social anxiety convictions is merely problematic because it logically acts to maintain convictions that are dysfunctional.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

For too many officers of the court, it's not about doing what's right -- it's about getting and maintaining convictions by any means necessary.

Huffington Post

When asked by a student how she has managed to maintain her conviction in principles, she was blunt: "Discipline.

The New York Times

"We maintain the conviction that the students were not incinerated in the Cocula rubbish tip," added one of its authors.

The Guardian

This is a form of the logical fallacy post hoc ergo propter hoc ("After this, therefore because of this"), and it seems strange that an academic of such standing should so blithely retail it because, of course, if we reverse the statement it makes just as much sense: "Having spent my whole adult life as a psychiatrist I must maintain the conviction that it is a major force for good".

The Guardian

The realm of truth is never fixed, and neither should the way our minds maintain its convictions.

Huffington Post

"I wouldn't be doing this today if I didn't think I would maintain these convictions for the rest of my life," she says.

Vice

Because as we fight year after year to show our innocence, these prosecutors use their unlimited resources to maintain our convictions by any means necessary.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain conviction", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific belief or principle is being upheld. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "maintain conviction" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "stick to your guns" or "stand your ground" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain conviction" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "maintain" acts as a transitive verb taking "conviction" as its object. It indicates the act of upholding or preserving a firm belief or principle. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain conviction" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the act of upholding a firm belief or principle. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is well-regarded. It appears most often in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While versatile, it's essential to consider simpler alternatives in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Key related phrases include "uphold one's beliefs" and "stand by one's principles", each adding a unique nuance to the core meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the specific belief being maintained for enhanced clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uphold one's beliefs

Emphasizes defending and standing by one's principles.

stand by one's principles

Highlights unwavering support for one's core values.

hold firm to one's beliefs

Focuses on resisting pressure to abandon one's convictions.

stand strong in one's beliefs

Highlights the resilience in keeping one's beliefs.

hold true to one's values

Emphasizes adherence to personal ethics and morals.

preserve one's faith

Specifically relates to maintaining religious or spiritual convictions.

retain one's viewpoint

Implies keeping a particular perspective despite differing opinions.

assert one's confidence

Focuses on expressing assurance in one's beliefs or abilities.

defend one's stance

Highlights the act of protecting one's position or opinion.

keep the faith

An idiomatic expression encouraging perseverance in one's beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain conviction" to express holding firmly to a belief or principle, as in "Despite the challenges, she chose to maintain conviction in her values".

What are some alternatives to "maintain conviction"?

Alternatives include "uphold one's beliefs", "stand by one's principles", or "hold firm to one's beliefs", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain conviction" or "have conviction"?

"Maintain conviction" implies an ongoing effort to uphold a belief, while "have conviction" simply indicates possessing a strong belief. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the act of preserving the belief over time.

What does it mean to "maintain conviction" in the face of opposition?

To "maintain conviction" in the face of opposition means to continue believing strongly in something, even when others disagree or challenge your beliefs. It suggests resilience and unwavering commitment.