maintain the status quo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'maintain the status quo' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to keeping things the same, instead of changing or disrupting the current state of affairs. For example: "Rather than making any drastic decisions, the company decided to maintain the status quo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Father Urban was anxious to maintain the status quo.

The New Yorker

Coker and Solich want to maintain the status quo.

The New York Times - Sports

I think they're satisfied to maintain the status quo".

The New Yorker

The West can only hope to maintain the status quo.

The New Yorker

Most social investments are used to maintain the status quo.

Harvard Business Review

"We want to maintain the status quo," he said.

The New York Times

They are not incentivized to maintain the status quo.

The New York Times

To maintain the status quo, they'll do whatever they can".

The New York Times

People say they try to maintain the status quo.

Independent

A single resident's opposition can be enough to maintain the status quo.

The Guardian

You'd think any new manager would need substantial backing to even maintain the status quo".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain the status quo", consider whether you want to convey a neutral, positive, or negative connotation. The phrase can imply stability and order, or resistance to necessary change.

Common error

Be careful not to use "maintain the status quo" when you actually want to express a need for progress or improvement. The phrase inherently implies preventing change, which may not always be desirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain the status quo" functions as a verbal phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe the act of preserving the current state of affairs or preventing changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain the status quo" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of preserving the current state of affairs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency across various sources, particularly in News & Media, highlights its relevance in discussions about stability, resistance to change, and the preservation of existing conditions. When using the phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and intended connotation, avoiding potential confusion with concepts like stagnation. Exploring alternative phrases like "preserve existing conditions" can also enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve existing conditions

Focuses on keeping the current state intact, highlighting the act of preservation.

uphold the current situation

Emphasizes support for the present state, suggesting a proactive defense of it.

sustain the present state

Highlights the continuation of the existing state, implying ongoing effort.

retain the existing order

Focuses on keeping the current structure and arrangement in place.

keep things as they are

A more informal way of expressing the desire to avoid change.

leave well enough alone

Suggests that changes are unnecessary and could be detrimental.

avoid rocking the boat

Implies that maintaining stability is more important than pursuing changes.

freeze the current arrangement

Conveys a sense of halting any further developments or alterations.

stick to the established norm

Emphasizes adherence to existing standards and practices.

resist any alterations

Highlights opposition to modifications, focusing on preventing change.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain the status quo" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain the status quo" to describe efforts to keep things as they are, without significant changes. For example, "The company decided to "maintain the status quo" until the market conditions improve."

What are some alternatives to "maintain the status quo"?

Alternatives include phrases like "preserve existing conditions", "uphold the current situation", or "keep things as they are", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "maintain the status quo" or embrace change?

Whether it's better to ""maintain the status quo"" or embrace change depends entirely on the context. Sometimes stability is crucial, while other times innovation and adaptation are necessary for survival and growth.

What's the implication of wanting to "maintain the status quo"?

Wanting to ""maintain the status quo"" often suggests a preference for stability, predictability, and avoiding potential risks associated with change. It can also imply a resistance to new ideas or reforms.