maintain convictions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain convictions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of holding onto one's beliefs or principles, especially in the face of challenges or opposition. Example: "Despite the criticism, she chose to maintain her convictions about social justice and equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

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

We can't all be Olympians but we can identify and strive for our personal best and maintain our convictions and faith as well.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maintain convictions" when emphasizing the importance of not wavering in one's beliefs, especially when facing opposition or challenges. It suggests a conscious effort to uphold those beliefs.

Common error

While "maintain convictions" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "stick to your guns" or "stand your ground" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain convictions" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of upholding or preserving firmly held beliefs. Ludwig AI examples show it used in contexts where individuals or groups actively defend their principles. The expression emphasizes the ongoing effort to not waver.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain convictions" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the act of upholding deeply held beliefs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it finds its place in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific writing, where the emphasis is on expressing a firm commitment. While generally acceptable, alternatives like "uphold beliefs" or "stand by principles" may be more appropriate in informal settings. It is a common expression, as Ludwig showcases examples, indicating its relevance in expressing steadfastness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uphold beliefs

Focuses on actively defending and supporting one's beliefs.

stand by principles

Emphasizes adherence to a set of moral or ethical guidelines.

hold firm to beliefs

Highlights the strength and resilience in maintaining beliefs.

adhere to principles

Stresses a commitment to following specific principles.

stay true to convictions

Emphasizes authenticity and remaining consistent with one's deeply held beliefs.

preserve beliefs

Focuses on protecting and keeping beliefs intact.

defend principles

Implies actively protecting and advocating for one's principles.

keep to one's beliefs

Suggests staying aligned and not deviating from one's beliefs.

sustain beliefs

Highlights the ongoing effort to keep beliefs alive and relevant.

remain steadfast in convictions

Indicates unwavering commitment and resilience in one's convictions.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain convictions" to express the act of holding firm to one's beliefs despite opposition or challenges. For example, "Despite facing criticism, she chose to "maintain her convictions" about social justice".

What are some alternatives to "maintain convictions"?

Some alternatives to "maintain convictions" include "uphold beliefs", "stand by principles", or "hold firm to beliefs".

Is it better to say "maintain convictions" or "hold convictions"?

"Maintain convictions" implies an active effort to preserve existing beliefs, whereas "hold convictions" simply means possessing those beliefs. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the effort involved.

What does it mean to "maintain moral convictions"?

To "maintain moral convictions" means to consistently adhere to one's ethical or moral beliefs, even when it's difficult or unpopular. It involves actively upholding those values in one's actions and decisions.