maintain independence

USAGE SUMMARY

'maintain independence' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in the context of defending one's autonomy or individual freedom. For example, you might write: "She was determined to maintain her independence despite her family's objections."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In March of that year, Moldovans voted overwhelmingly to maintain independence, and in April the parliament approved limited membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Safeguards inspection measurements should also maintain independence from facility operator declarations.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

To be effective, however, the agencies must maintain independence from the political process.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Loss of hand function can have adverse effects on an individual's ability to maintain independence.

Journal of Biomechanics

To maintain independence, Kemp refuses to accept payment for his services.

The New Yorker

Brookings officials said they have created a strong internal system to maintain independence.

The Washington Post

"The book shows his ability to maintain independence in the face of massive international pressure," Bershtel said.

The Guardian - Books

Both doctors maintain independence outside of their athletic departments, stressing their primary roles as professors and practicing neurologists.

The New York Times - Sports

Conveniences such as rollout shelves and a microwave oven at counter height can help you maintain independence in the kitchen.

The Washington Post

All exposures were separated by weeks and all materials were either cleaned or replaced between runs in an attempt to maintain independence among exposure experiments.

Aquatic Toxicology

"The nominee must now answer questions about her ability to maintain independence from her current immediate superior, the White House," they wrote in a letter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the elderly or individuals with disabilities, use "maintain independence" to emphasize their ability to live autonomously with or without assistance. This highlights their agency and dignity.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain independence" when a different term like "achieve autonomy" or "retain control" would be more precise. Independence implies a pre-existing state, so consider the context carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain independence" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "maintain" is the main verb and "independence" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It describes the act of preserving a state of autonomy or self-reliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain independence" is grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and academia. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to describe the act of preserving autonomy or self-reliance, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Related phrases such as "preserve autonomy" and "retain control" offer nuanced alternatives, while best practices emphasize its appropriate use in discussing autonomy and dignity. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "maintain independence" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain autonomy

Emphasizes self-governance and freedom from external control.

preserve autonomy

Focuses on safeguarding self-determination, implying a threat to it.

retain control

Highlights the aspect of keeping command or authority.

ensure self-sufficiency

Focuses on the ability to provide for one's own needs without external assistance.

uphold sovereignty

Relates specifically to the authority of a state to govern itself.

defend freedom

Stresses the active protection of liberty against opposition.

secure liberty

Emphasizes the acquisition and safeguarding of personal freedom.

assert independence

Highlights a forceful declaration and establishment of autonomy.

foster self-reliance

Concentrates on promoting and nurturing the ability to depend on oneself.

promote self-determination

Focuses on advancing the right to make one's own decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain independence" to describe efforts to remain self-reliant. For example, "The program helps seniors "maintain independence" in their own homes."

What are some alternatives to "maintain independence"?

Alternatives include "preserve autonomy", "retain control", or "ensure self-sufficiency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain independence" or "achieve independence"?

"Maintain independence" implies that independence already exists and is being preserved. "Achieve independence" suggests gaining independence for the first time.

How does "maintain independence" relate to the concept of self-reliance?

"Maintain independence" is closely related to self-reliance, as it involves preserving one's ability to care for oneself and make one's own decisions without relying on others.