maintain the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain the opposite" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing the need to uphold a contrary position or viewpoint. Example: "In this debate, we must maintain the opposite to challenge the prevailing narrative."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But others, like John Podhoretz, a columnist for the New York Post, maintain the opposite.

The Economist

Moreover, X-practitioners might self-consciously maintain the opposite of or at any rate something distinct from what X-standards sanction.

SEP

(The big secret on K Street is that many lobbyists are starved for information about what's going on on in what was once their playground, though must maintain the opposite in order to continue to pull in monthly client retainers).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This column, perversely, has always maintained the opposite.

The Guardian - Books

There were early indications that the war might encompass such aims, even if Lincoln and his administration maintained the opposite message for more than a year.

The New York Times

Wilde then becomes the exemplary propounder of the problem, on the one hand embracing what Latham calls the logic of the pose, in which fashion is the only determinant of aesthetic value, and on the other hand maintaining the opposite position, that the aesthetic object has intrinsic value entirely unaffected by the demands of the marketplace.

Johns Hopkins University

An alternative possibility is that, as in the case of the gene regions that we described as neutrally evolving, weaker and more recent selective events have been maintaining the opposite risk alleles.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A representative broker maintains the opposite bridging role; he or she is cited as a social network member by another resident in the same Ri and names another person outside the Ri as a network member.

BMC Geriatrics

There is absolutely no point in burying one' s head in the sand and always maintaining the opposite of what is in fact the case, on the principle that the more you insist on something, the closer it comes to becoming a reality.

EU Parlament

Indicative of what a lightning rod he has become, Mr. Sharansky's fans maintain the exact opposite, that only he rises above the political swamp.

The New York Times

Still, both Lichtman and Tiefer maintain that the opposite is more likely that once people have the details about what allegedly occurred, a demand for action will be imminent.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain the opposite", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being opposed to avoid ambiguity. For clarity, specify the view you are maintaining.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain the opposite" without clearly stating what is being opposed. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. Be explicit about the contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain the opposite" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a stance or belief that is contrary to a previously mentioned or generally accepted idea. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it indicates an active holding of an opposing viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain the opposite" is used to indicate the act of holding or upholding a contrary viewpoint, often in situations involving disagreement or debate. While Ludwig AI recognizes it as not standard English, its presence in news, scientific, and academic sources suggests its acceptability in various contexts. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify what "the opposite" refers to when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "assert the contrary" or "take the opposing view" can also be considered. Remember, context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the opposing view

Simply adopts a position that is in opposition.

uphold the contrary

Focuses on actively supporting a differing stance.

stick to the opposing side

Highlights perseverance on the contrasting perspective.

argue the reverse

Directly presents the opposite side of an argument.

stand by the inverse

Suggests support of the inverse view or meaning.

assert the contrary

Emphasizes a strong declaration of a differing viewpoint.

hold the inverse

Emphasizes posession of the inverse point of view.

defend the alternative

Highlights protecting a different option or perspective.

profess the contrary

Underlines declaration of the opposite statement.

sustain the antithesis

Suggests keeping an contradictory statement going on.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain the opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain the opposite" to indicate that someone holds a view or position that is contrary to what is generally believed or stated. For example, "While many believe X, he "maintains the opposite"".

What are some alternatives to "maintain the opposite"?

Alternatives include "assert the contrary", "uphold the contrary", or "take the opposing view", which all convey a similar meaning of holding a different or opposing position.

Is it grammatically correct to say "maintain the opposite"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although Ludwig AI points out that it isn't considered standard English. It is used to express that someone is defending a contradictory position.

In what contexts might I use "maintain the opposite"?

You might use "maintain the opposite" in academic debates, legal arguments, or any situation where you need to express a disagreement with a prevailing viewpoint or action. It's crucial to clearly define what "the opposite" refers to.