maintain your position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain your position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being instructed to keep their current stance or location, whether physically or in terms of opinion. Example: "During the meeting, the manager asked everyone to maintain their position on the proposed changes until further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's rather like the rankings in tennis - you've got to keep winning to maintain your position.

The Guardian

To maintain your position in 2015 you will need a wide swathe of support.

The Economist

Show your coaches that you can maintain your position and effectively communicate to your teammates.

Stanford University

"You have to give up a lot" to maintain your position at work in a company like hers, she says.

The Economist

Now you're expected to frag enough noobs to earn the SCAR-H assault rifle that will let you maintain your position on the Black Ops leader boards.

The New York Times - Books

Without individuals in the aircraft "you can maintain your position for a long period of time with the opportunity to either watch or strike". Today one ground-based pilot flies one Predator, assisted by two analysts.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Elle, for instance, offers 60 nuggets of advice from psychologists and parents on how to have "a relaxed and efficient rentrée," including the admonishment to "maintain your positions and show constancy," not give cellphones or unsupervised Internet access to children under 12, parcel out pocket money, but "be more flexible when it comes to food" and "give room to dreams, or even boredom".

The New York Times

Even though you had severed your relationship with Paristay 10 days before our arrival, you maintained your position as ''representative of the apartment" and still do.

Stanford University

You will have a much better chance of maintaining your position.

Forbes

If, on the other hand, you convey and solicit complete, balanced opinions of current issues -- they can be family issues as well as "big" political ones -- you're one of the rare birds, probably more interested in solving problems than in campaigning for and maintaining your position, intact.

Huffington Post

Read How to Be Assertive for details on maintaining your position politely but firmly!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain your position" in professional contexts, ensure the surrounding language is equally formal. For instance, instead of saying 'keep your spot', opt for 'maintain your standing' to match the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain your position" when a more active or assertive verb is needed. It's about preserving, not necessarily improving or defending aggressively. Consider "defend your position" or "advance your standing" when applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain your position" functions primarily as a directive or descriptive phrase. Ludwig AI shows it used to instruct or describe the act of preserving one's current location, status, or viewpoint. This encompasses both physical and abstract contexts, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain your position" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily employed to instruct or describe the act of preserving one's current standing or status. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across diverse contexts, spanning news, academia, and practical guides. While it isn't the most frequent expression, its clear and straightforward nature makes it a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit. Consider adjusting the tone using synonyms when a situation dictates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold your ground

Implies resisting pressure or opposition to keep your current stance.

Keep your standing

Focuses on preserving one's reputation or status.

Retain your status

Formal and emphasizes continued possession of a rank or level.

Preserve your rank

Emphasizes the act of keeping your position or order.

Defend your place

Highlights the need to protect your position from rivals or challenges.

Uphold your situation

Emphasizes maintaining your position of privilege, honor or respect.

Sustain your level

Focuses on the process of maintaining a consistent height or level.

Conserve your location

Stresses the act of safeguarding your place or locality.

Secure your footing

Emphasizes gaining a firm foothold and keeping it.

Stay in contention

Implies remaining competitive or in a position to win.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain your position" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain your position" in sentences like: "It's crucial to maintain your position in the market despite new competitors" or "The team must maintain their position on the field to secure the victory".

What's a formal alternative to "maintain your position"?

A more formal alternative to "maintain your position" could be "retain your status" or "uphold your situation".

Is "maintain your position" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "maintain your position" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "hold your ground" or "keep your spot" for a more relaxed tone.

What is the difference between "maintain your position" and "defend your position"?

"Maintain your position" implies preserving an existing state, while "defend your position" suggests actively protecting it from challenges or threats. The best choice depends on whether you are simply preserving or actively fighting for your standing.