maintain his position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'maintain his position' is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of someone holding their ground or sticking to a stance. For example: Although his colleagues disagreed, John refused to back down and managed to maintain his position.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He will find it difficult to maintain his position.

The Guardian

DeBergalis was not able to produce significant transfer votes to maintain his position, however.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He will maintain his position on the U.S. District Court here.

The Washington Post

But to maintain his position as a trusted adviser, the spinmaster needs also to preserve his reputation for competence.

The Economist

Lee Westwood yesterday claimed his second victory in succession to maintain his position as world No 1.

Independent

He has a consummate understanding of power, he moves the pieces around regularly to maintain his position".

Independent

The new indictment says he joined in the plot to maintain his position in the Gambino family.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, it appeared that Mr. Forde might still seek to maintain his position in the union.

The New York Times

But Bragg didn't just make arts programmes and was always canny enough to maintain his position in television senior management.

The Guardian

Ḥenānā's views led to a revolt by students, and the director required royal support to maintain his position.

Britannica

Henry was at first able to maintain his position against Barbarossa in northern Saxony, but in the summer of 1181 he had to submit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain his position", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific position is being maintained, whether it's a job, viewpoint, or ranking. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain his position" passively, as in "His position was maintained by..." Opt for active voice to strengthen the sentence and highlight the individual's effort: "He actively worked to maintain his position."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain his position" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the act of preserving or upholding a status, rank, or viewpoint against potential challenges or changes. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

HuffPost

3%

TechCrunch

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain his position" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of upholding a specific standing, whether it be a job, viewpoint, or rank. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. When using "maintain his position", clarity is crucial, ensuring the specific position being referenced is easily understood. Alternative phrases like "hold his ground" or "retain his status" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance desired. Avoiding passive voice will also strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold his ground

Focuses on resisting pressure or opposition to retain a stance.

retain his status

Emphasizes keeping a certain rank or standing.

preserve his authority

Highlights the act of keeping power or control.

defend his stance

Implies actively protecting a viewpoint or opinion.

uphold his leadership

Stresses the maintenance of a leading role.

secure his place

Focuses on ensuring a lasting position or recognition.

keep his standing

Highlights the continuation of a positive reputation or level of respect.

protect his interests

Emphasizes safeguarding personal or professional advantages.

sustain his influence

Implies maintaining the ability to affect others or events.

assert his dominance

Highlights the act of forcefully maintaining a leading or controlling role.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain his position" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain his position" to describe someone's efforts to keep their current job, rank, or viewpoint. For example: "Despite the challenges, he managed to "maintain his position" as CEO.".

What are some alternatives to "maintain his position"?

Alternatives include "hold his ground", "retain his status", or "preserve his authority". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "maintain his position"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, ensure that the context makes it clear what "position" refers to.

What's the difference between "maintain his position" and "secure his position"?

"Maintain his position" implies keeping a position already held, while "secure his position" suggests establishing or ensuring a position for the future.