maintain existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain existing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the preservation or continuation of current conditions, systems, or practices. Example: "Our goal is to maintain existing standards while improving overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

has not entered into force, we urge all states to maintain existing moratoria on nuclear testing".

The New York Times

Many hospitals, struggling to maintain existing patient care, just cannot afford this investment right now.

The New York Times

Even more egregious than the lack of new investment is our failure to maintain existing infrastructure.

The New Yorker

This may be less than is needed just to maintain existing services, let alone extend them.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added that the government would also protect the budget used to maintain existing flood defences.

The Guardian

Smith also attacked the failure of ministers to restore funding to maintain existing defences.

The Guardian

The fundamental issue is that the budget only means we maintain existing resources".

Independent

But the long leases they will be offered will on the condition that they maintain existing access.

The Guardian

In many countries, an enormous effort is required simply to maintain existing levels of service," the report said.

The Guardian

And some have said it is time to stop expanding the park system and to start spending more to maintain existing parks, where repairs costing billions are needed.

The New York Times - Travel

As Kennedy tries to maintain existing corporate sponsorships for the Red Sox or arrange new ones, he said he has observed a softened interest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain existing", ensure the context clearly defines what is being preserved or continued. For example, "maintain existing infrastructure" specifies infrastructure as the object of preservation.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain existing" without specifying what is being maintained. Saying "we need to maintain existing" lacks clarity; instead, specify what needs maintenance, such as "maintain existing safety standards".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain existing" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express the action of preserving or continuing something in its current state. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain existing" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of preserving or continuing something in its current state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse fields, including news, science, and business. When using "maintain existing", it's crucial to specify what is being maintained to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "preserve current" or "sustain existing" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. The phrase is suitable for neutral to professional registers, making it adaptable to various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve current

Focuses on the act of preserving the present state, often implying careful protection.

sustain existing

Emphasizes the ability to keep something going over a period of time.

retain current

Highlights the act of keeping or holding onto something that already exists.

uphold current

Suggests actively supporting and defending the present state.

keep current

Implies ongoing effort to maintain the present situation.

conserve existing

Highlights the careful use of existing resources to ensure their continuation.

continue existing

Focuses on the continuation of something already in place.

preserve present

Similar to "preserve current" but emphasizes the immediacy of the action.

protect existing

Highlights the act of safeguarding something that already exists from harm or change.

service existing

Suggests to provide a service to something that already exists.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain existing" in sentences like, "The company aims to "maintain existing" market share" or "The government is working hard to "maintain existing" infrastructure".

What are some alternatives to "maintain existing"?

Alternatives include "preserve current", "sustain existing", or "retain current", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain existing levels" or "improve current levels"?

It depends on your goal. "Maintain existing levels" suggests keeping things as they are, while "improve current levels" implies a desire for positive change. For example: "The study urges the government to "maintain existing local welfare funding levels"."

What's the difference between "maintain existing" and "establish new"?

"Maintain existing" means to keep something in its current state, while "establish new" means to create something that didn't exist before. They represent opposite actions. For example: But the federal agency will "maintain existing quarantines on LBAM".