maintain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not commonly used and may lead to confusion. A more appropriate phrase would be needed to express the intended idea. Example: "I maintain that we should proceed with the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The banks then subtract those losses from capital, the financial buffer they maintain to absorb losses.

The New York Times

They maintain to the last that he's a spoiled mother's boy too obtuse to understand Eliza's emotional needs.

The New York Times

There must be some way, they maintain, to convince people that vaccines are good for kids, and handguns are dangerous.

The New Yorker

In head racing, the rowers start 10 seconds apart, so Tucker had that margin to maintain to beat all comers.

The New York Times - Sports

It lacks the mammoth balance-sheet that oil firms maintain to manage the huge risks in oil exploration.

The Economist

And some tribes, when migrating to open areas, maintain to a great extent the forest characteristics of their culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Number 10 sources insisted they would maintain to that position, despite hopes in Brussels that May's more interventionist stance might make her willing to accept higher tariffs.

The Guardian

Indeed, the bar mitzvah celebration seemed to breach not only security, but the sense of equal treatment that jails must maintain to avoid inmate unrest.

The New York Times

"The second set, I got it together," Falconi said, crediting a fitness regimen she and her coach, Jeff Wilson, maintain to give her the strength to stay focused.

The New York Times

DealBook » Regulators Seek Stiffer Bank Rules on Capital | The proposal would increase the financial cushion banks must maintain to protect their assets in a crisis.

The New York Times

I think he's been exemplary in his ability to maintain, to be true to himself and maintain a tremendous drive and a positive outlook.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "maintain to". Use "maintain" followed by the object, or rephrase your sentence using a more appropriate verb like "preserve", "retain", or "uphold".

Common error

Do not assume that "maintain" always requires a preposition. It often functions effectively without "to", directly followed by the object you are maintaining. For example, instead of "maintain to a high standard", say "maintain a high standard".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not commonly used. The verb maintain typically functions transitively, taking a direct object without the need for the preposition "to".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while examples of the phrase "maintain to" exist, it's widely considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI flags this usage as uncommon and potentially confusing. Standard English usage prefers "maintain" followed directly by the object. Alternative verbs like "preserve", "retain", or "uphold" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. When writing, strive for clarity and grammatical accuracy by avoiding this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain

Omits the preposition "to", resulting in a grammatically correct and more common usage of the verb.

uphold

Implies supporting or defending something, differing slightly from simply keeping it.

preserve

Focuses on keeping something in its original condition.

conserve

Emphasizes careful use and protection of resources or qualities.

retain

Highlights keeping possession of something.

keep up

Indicates continuing a process or activity at the same level.

sustain

Suggests providing support or nourishment to maintain something.

assert

Focuses on stating a belief or fact confidently and forcefully.

contend

Similar to assert but often used in arguments or debates.

hold

Implies keeping or possessing something, often a position or belief.

FAQs

How to properly use "maintain" in a sentence?

Use "maintain" directly followed by the object you're sustaining. For example, "maintain standards", not "maintain to standards".

What can I say instead of "maintain to"?

Consider alternatives like "preserve", "retain", or simply "maintain" without the "to", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "maintain to" or "maintain"?

"Maintain" is typically correct on its own. "Maintain to" is generally ungrammatical and should be avoided. Use "maintain" followed directly by the object.

What's the difference between "maintain" and alternatives like "preserve" or "retain"?

"Maintain" implies continuing something at its current level. "Preserve" suggests keeping something in its original condition, while "retain" means keeping possession of something.