maintain for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain for" is not typically used in written English.
If you are looking for an alternative phrase or construction, you could use "maintain (something) for (something/someone)", e.g. "The company works hard to maintain a high standard of customer service for its clients."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I maintain, for me, this was pure pleasure".

The Guardian

"A paper ticket is a piece of flexibility you can maintain for yourself".

The New York Times

So they wind up living in a speculative bubble, an illusion they maintain for one another.

The New Yorker

It was a hobby that Larkin would maintain for the next three decades.

The New Yorker

The French maintain, for instance, certain Catholic public holidays, such as Ascension.

The Economist

Resveratrol may therefore be mimicking caloric restriction without an arduous diet that few people can maintain for very long.

The New York Times

This attitude was easy to maintain for a wealthy aristocrat whose family was enriched by farm revenue and government largesse.

The New York Times - Books

This is the only thing I try to maintain, for this would disturb even this documentary reality.

The New Yorker

Some maintain, for example, that undue sensitivity has been accorded to the feelings of Muslims in deciding whom to rebuff.

The Economist

Ms. Ri's stylish appearance seems to contradict the public image that Kim Jong-un wanted to maintain for his family.

The New York Times

It would be a hard act to maintain for anyone, but it must be particularly difficult for Mr. White.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to use "maintain for", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what is being maintained and for whom or what purpose. For instance, rephrase as "maintain [object] for [beneficiary/purpose]" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain for" without specifying the object of maintenance. This often leads to sentences that are grammatically questionable and confusing. Always clarify what needs to be "maintained" and its intended beneficiary or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain for" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often intended to express the act of preserving or continuing something for a specific reason or duration. However, as Ludwig AI notes, the construction can be grammatically questionable if the object of maintenance is not clearly defined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "maintain for" appears frequently, it often requires careful construction to be grammatically correct. Ludwig AI indicates the importance of clearly specifying what is being maintained and for whom or what purpose. The primary contexts where the phrase is found are in News & Media and Science, indicating a relatively broad application. Alternatives such as "preserve for", "sustain for", and "retain for" may offer more precise or grammatically sound options depending on the intended meaning. Therefore, while "maintain for" isn't inherently incorrect, writers should exercise caution to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy in its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve for

Emphasizes keeping something in its original state for future use.

sustain for

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

retain for

Focuses on keeping possession or holding onto something.

keep for

A more general term for holding something without change.

continue for

Stresses the unbroken continuation of an action or state.

uphold for

Implies defending or supporting something for a certain cause or duration.

conserve for

Suggests careful management to avoid depletion over time.

ensure for

Focuses on guaranteeing something for the specified timeframe or purpose.

administer for

Refers to managing something, such as medication, for a specified duration.

manage for

Implies overseeing something effectively for a certain period or purpose.

FAQs

How can I properly use the word "maintain" in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates what is being maintained and for whom or what purpose. For example, "The company works hard to maintain a high standard of customer service for its clients."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "maintain for"?

Consider alternatives like "preserve for", "sustain for", or "retain for" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "maintain for"?

The phrase "maintain for" is not typically used in written English without specifying what is being maintained and for whom or what purpose. It often requires restructuring for grammatical correctness.

What common mistakes should I avoid when using "maintain"?

Avoid using "maintain" without specifying what needs to be "maintained" and its intended beneficiary or purpose. For example, instead of "They maintain for years", say "They maintain the tradition for years".