maintain support for

USAGE SUMMARY

'maintain support for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can typically use this phrase to emphasize the ongoing efforts to support a cause, group, or individual. For example, "The organization has made a commitment to maintain support for local schools in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Momentum is a loose pressure group set up by supporters of Corbyn and is designed to maintain support for his politics in constituencies and build links with other protest groups around the country.

The Guardian

To maintain support for their presence, coalition forces cannot dampen those hopes.

The New York Times

Washington acquiesced, since the faulty program was the only way to maintain support for the sanctions.

The New York Times

It is absolutely crucial that these efforts continue, and that donors maintain support for life-saving operations.

The Guardian

He encouraged the international community and regional neighbours to maintain support for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

Questioned by reporters, Coyne refused to be drawn on whether he would maintain support for Jeremy Corbyn if he won.

The Guardian

Otherwise, a strategic player should steer clear of the arrangement and maintain support for two or more competing MSPs.

Harvard Business Review

They tend to maintain support for reducing the deficit, but argue this should be done at a less aggressive pace.

The Economist

Underpinning all of this is the ongoing need for the Premier League's top executives to maintain support for the "collective selling" model that has served them so well.

The Guardian - Sport

They need to underline the importance of the work they do investing in community projects if they are to maintain support for their work beyond developing new homes.

The Guardian

But he faces a complex test of presidential leadership: to maintain support for the war while presenting a politically viable plan for combating the recession at home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain support for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supported and why continued support is important. For example, "The organization strives to maintain support for its environmental initiatives by demonstrating tangible results."

Common error

Avoid using "maintain support for" if the support is not ongoing or if there is no expectation of it continuing. Instead, use phrases like "garner support for" or "seek support for" to indicate initial support-seeking efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain support for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuous effort to preserve or sustain backing for a particular cause, person, or initiative. Ludwig AI confirms the proper usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain support for" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the ongoing effort to preserve backing for a cause, person, or initiative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news media and formal business settings. Alternatives like "sustain backing for" or "preserve assistance for" can offer nuanced variations, but the core meaning remains consistent: ensuring continued endorsement. To use the phrase effectively, clearly define what is being supported and why it warrants continued backing. Avoid using it when the support is not ongoing or expected to continue. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can confidently and accurately employ "maintain support for" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain backing for

Replaces "maintain" with "sustain" and "support" with "backing", implying continued endorsement.

preserve assistance for

Substitutes "maintain" with "preserve" and "support" with "assistance", focusing on the act of keeping aid available.

continue to back

Uses a verb-based structure, replacing the noun phrase with a more direct action of supporting.

uphold commitment to

Emphasizes the continued fulfillment of a promise or obligation to support.

keep up the advocacy for

Focuses on actively promoting and defending a cause or person.

ensure ongoing endorsement of

Highlights the act of securing continuous approval and validation.

foster continued patronage of

Emphasizes encouraging regular and sustained support, often financial.

solidify allegiance to

Highlights strengthening loyalty and devotion to something.

bolster confidence in

Focuses on reinforcing trust and belief in something.

cultivate sustained interest in

Emphasizes actively developing and maintaining a long-term interest.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain support for" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain support for" to indicate the act of ensuring continuous backing or approval for something. For example, "The government must implement policies to "maintain support for" renewable energy initiatives".

What are some alternatives to "maintain support for"?

Alternatives include "sustain backing for", "preserve assistance for", or "continue to back", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain support to" or "maintain support for"?

"Maintain support for" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Maintain support to" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "gain support for" and "maintain support for"?

"Gain support for" refers to the initial act of acquiring backing or approval, while "maintain support for" refers to the ongoing effort to keep that support in place.