maintain him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to providing support, care, or upkeep for a person, often in a physical, emotional, or financial sense. Example: "In order to ensure his well-being, we must find a way to maintain him during his recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

With just two weeks until Baltimore, he will not be able to train his Big Bay but merely maintain him.

The New York Times

But Mr. Santorum appears determined to stay in the race and has $1.5 million, enough to maintain him for a while.

The New York Times

During this time, too, he became friendly with Caroline of Ansbach, the princess of Wales, who was to help maintain him in power when her husband succeeded to the throne in 1727 as George II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although he remained critical of the Jewish Refugees Committee for its failure to maintain him after that, the historian in him acknowledged that this body was a rescue operation and not equipped to advance careers.

The Guardian - Books

"We tried to keep both the integrity of the character and the accuracy with regard to Asperger's and also maintain him as a viable romantic possibility," Mr. Mayer said.

The New York Times

A man must always live by his work, and his wages must at least be sufficient to maintain him.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The narrator, accordingly, gazes at a figure sitting "sturdily astride of his huge bronze horse on the high pedestal on which Venetian gratitude maintains him".

The Guardian - Books

He believes that the tried-and-true technique that has maintained him in power will work again: deceive and resist, shift the burden of proof, concede enough to prevent attack, divide and delay.

The New York Times

While Tagliabue seems to be taking a harder stance, executives close to him maintain he wants to do more.

The New York Times - Sports

"Why I Love You" has Jay-Z lamenting betrayal and how his past protégés failed to maintain without him.

Wikipedia

The song "revisits" the split-up of Roc-A-Fella Records and has Jay-Z lamenting betrayal and how his past protégés failed to maintain without him.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing. While grammatically correct, "maintain him" can sometimes sound awkward. More formal synonyms like "support" or "sustain" might be preferable depending on the context.

Common error

Be mindful that "maintain" implies ongoing effort or support. Avoid using "maintain him" if you only mean a one-time act of assistance. Instead, consider terms like "helped" or "assisted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain him" functions primarily as a verb phrase with a direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable. The verb "maintain" takes "him" as its object, indicating that someone or something is being preserved, supported, or kept in a particular state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies providing continuous support or care to a person. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear – whether it pertains to physical well-being, financial assistance, or upholding someone's position. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic and scientific contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "support him" or "sustain him" might be preferable. Remember to use it when implying an ongoing effort, and avoid it if you are referring to a one-time event. Overall, understanding the nuances of "maintain him" ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support him

Focuses on providing assistance or resources.

sustain him

Emphasizes providing what is needed for continued existence or function.

preserve him

Highlights keeping him in a specific condition or state.

look after him

Implies caring for his needs and well-being.

take care of him

Similar to 'look after him', but can also imply responsibility.

provide for him

Focuses on supplying his necessities.

keep him going

Emphasizes enabling him to continue functioning.

finance him

Specifically relates to providing financial support.

uphold him

Suggests supporting his position or status.

bolster him

Implies strengthening or reinforcing his position or condition.

FAQs

What does "maintain him" mean?

The phrase "maintain him" typically refers to providing ongoing support, care, or resources to a person to keep them in a particular state or condition, whether it's physical well-being, financial stability, or a position of power.

What can I say instead of "maintain him"?

You can use alternatives like "support him", "sustain him", or "take care of him" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "maintain him in power"?

Yes, "maintain him in power" is grammatically correct and means to keep someone in a position of authority or control. You could also say "keep him in power" or "sustain his power".

How is "maintain him" different from "protect him"?

"Maintain him" suggests providing ongoing support to preserve a state or condition, whereas "protect him" implies shielding him from harm or danger. Maintaining can be a part of protection, but it's not always the case.