maintain current

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain current" is not correct as it is incomplete and lacks context.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing the need to keep something up to date or in its present state, but it requires additional information to be clear. Example: "We need to maintain current standards in our quality control processes."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One would maintain current NATO force levels.

The New York Times

McCain also voted to maintain current laws allowing guns to be sold without trigger locks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many longstanding programs like low-income housing assistance maintain current levels or are cut.

The New York Times

The president's own skimpy funding proposals wouldn't even maintain current enrollment levels.

The New York Times

State budgets will have to double to maintain current health programs.

The New Yorker

But $6 million is still needed to maintain current bus service.

The New York Times

However, there may still be ways to maintain current safeguards and prevent proliferation.

The Washington Post

The economy needs to add 80,000 jobs a month just to maintain current staffing levels.

The Washington Post

For these economies, automation can provide the productivity injection needed to maintain current GDP per capita.

Harvard Business Review

Hospitals are struggling to maintain current levels of productivity with less money.

The Economist

Are there any programs that you think should maintain current spending, or even increase spending?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain current", always specify what you are maintaining. For example, "maintain current levels", "maintain current standards", or "maintain current policies".

Common error

Avoid using "maintain current" without specifying what is being maintained. This creates ambiguity. Instead of saying "We must maintain current", specify what needs to be maintained, such as "We must maintain current staffing levels."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain current" typically functions as a verb phrase requiring a direct object to clarify what is being preserved or sustained. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered incomplete if used on its own and needs to be followed by a noun (e.g., levels, standards, policies).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "maintain current" is frequently used across diverse sources, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incomplete without a specified object. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to indicate what exactly is being maintained, such as "maintain current levels" or "maintain current policies". The phrase's purpose is to express the intention to preserve an existing state, often found in news, business, and academic contexts. Related phrases like "retain current" or "preserve current" offer alternatives with slightly different nuances. Therefore, while "maintain current" is common, its correct and clear application is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain current

Emphasizes keeping something as it is; similar in meaning but may imply a more active effort to prevent change.

preserve current

Focuses on protecting something from damage or change, implying a defensive stance to maintain the status quo.

sustain current

Highlights the ability to keep something going over time, emphasizing endurance and continuity.

keep current

More general, referring to staying up-to-date or relevant, but can also mean maintaining a present condition.

continue current

Directly implies the act of prolonging an existing situation or practice.

uphold current

Suggests supporting or defending an existing state, often in the face of opposition or challenges.

conserve current

Implies careful management to avoid depletion or loss, suggesting an efficient approach to maintaining the present state.

manage current

Focuses on controlling or handling the existing state, implying an active effort to ensure its continuation.

stay up-to-date

Highlights relevance and modernity with respect to certain information.

maintain contemporary

Implies keeping pace with the current trends and developments.

FAQs

How to use "maintain current" in a sentence?

The phrase "maintain current" requires a noun or noun phrase to specify what is being maintained. For example, you can say "maintain current standards", "maintain current levels", or "maintain current policy".

What can I say instead of "maintain current"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "retain current", "preserve current", or "sustain current".

Which is correct, "maintain current level" or "maintain current levels"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "maintain current levels" is used when referring to multiple levels or a general state, whereas "maintain current level" refers to a specific, singular level.

What is the difference between "maintain current" and "keep current"?

"Maintain current" implies preserving something in its present state, while "keep current" suggests staying up-to-date or relevant. The best choice depends on the specific context.