maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the continued existence or support of something. For example: His parents maintained a strong relationship throughout the years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Sport

Opinion

Music

Arts

Society

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While he has dismantled Niyazov's personality cult, he has maintained an authoritarian leadership style and has adopted the honorific title of arkadag – protector.

The Guardian

He has maintained tight control over both wings of the republican movement since the early 1980s.

The Guardian

It treats the child as if it were a machine that needs to be maintained.

The Guardian

In the second book, Un Corbusier, the architect and academic François Chaslin, who is an admirer of the architect, is unstinting in his descriptions and analysis of Le Corbusier's links to fascist groups and ideologies, and points out that at one stage Le Corbusier maintained an office for 18 months under the Vichy government.

The Guardian

The Huangs have maintained their innocence and say their daughter suffered from medical problems complicated by unusual eating habits that included periods of binging and self-starvation.

The Guardian

'I've got the pen': Obama urges passage of legislation to extend middle income tax cuts, and promises to authorise it immediately The White House confirmed that Obama would be prepared to veto any legislation that maintained the Bush-era tax cuts on upper income earners.

The Guardian

The shadow treasurer said he maintained a close interest in the issue.

The Guardian

I had my trusty tent strapped to my backpack so setting up camp on the sand would be straightforward enough, but I also knew that the four stone walls – albeit slightly dilapidated and certainly not heated – of a bothy (a disused building maintained by volunteers for walkers' use) were just a couple of kilometres away.

The Guardian - Travel

The DUP's HQ looks as well guarded as many military compounds, the murals dating from the Troubles still decorate most street corners and the offices of the Ulster Volunteer Force are still well maintained.

The Guardian

Lighting up again, he says that throughout the disintegration of his marriage – with the ex he refuses to name here for reasons of privacy – he maintained his integrity and dignity, "for my children's sake".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ian makes it clear that this policy has been maintained with the subsequent Climate Changing programme.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintained" to describe physical objects, ensure you specify what aspects are "maintained", such as "well-maintained garden" or "carefully maintained equipment".

Common error

While "maintained" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by substituting with words such as "preserved", "upheld", or "sustained" to add nuance and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The word "maintained" primarily functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb "maintain". It describes an action of keeping something in a certain condition or asserting a statement. Ludwig shows the word "maintained" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Travel

3%

Music

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "maintained" functions primarily as the past tense and past participle of the verb "maintain", indicating the continuation of a state or the assertion of a belief. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it is a very common term, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as opinion pieces and sports reporting. The linguistic analysis indicates a neutral register, though the term's formality can shift depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. To enhance writing, consider specifying what aspects are being "maintained" and varying vocabulary in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept up

Focuses on the continuous effort to keep something at a specific level or standard.

retained

Implies continuing to hold or have something.

preserved

Emphasizes protecting something from damage or decay over time.

held on to

Implies keeping something secure and preventing it from being lost or taken.

conserved

Highlights the careful use of resources to avoid waste.

carried on

Highlights the continuation of an activity or process.

upheld

Implies supporting or defending something, like a principle or law.

sustained

Suggests providing what is needed for something to continue existing.

asserted

Focuses on stating something confidently and forcefully.

stuck to

Emphasizes adhering to a plan, idea or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "maintained" in a sentence?

You can use "maintained" to describe something that has been kept in good condition, like "The building was well "maintained"". It can also mean to assert something, as in "He "maintained" his innocence".

What are some alternatives to the word "maintained"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "preserved", "sustained", "upheld", or "asserted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "maintainted" instead of "maintained"?

No, "maintainted" is not a correct word. The correct past tense and past participle of "maintain" is "maintained".

What's the difference between "maintained" and "retained"?

"Maintained" implies keeping something in good condition or asserting a belief, while "retained" means continuing to hold or possess something. For example, you can have a "well-"maintained" garden", and you can "retained" a lawyer.