maintains a system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintains a system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of keeping a system operational or in good condition. Example: "The IT department maintains a system that ensures all software is up to date and functioning properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The state maintains a system of mental hospitals and other specialized health, correctional, and care facilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mexico maintains a system of national and state parks, reserves, and other protected lands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The City of Edinburgh maintains a system of state schools that provide free primary and secondary education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which maintains a system for tracking local crime rates, had rejected an earlier version of the Philadelphia Police Department's 1998 statistics as unreliable.

The New York Times

At a cost of tens of millions of dollars annually it maintains a system of about 26,000 bunkers and fortifications throughout the Swiss Alps meant to deter attacking armies.

The New York Times

When women live in fear of violence – when women live with actual violence – it maintains a system of free female labor within the "traditional" family, and keeps half of the population from competing with men for paid work or social capital.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The companies said that the regulations maintain a system that costs them as much as $180 million a month as competitors take away millions of customers.

The New York Times

We maintain a system of mandatory detention of boat people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Any acts of care cannot justify maintaining a system of suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a lot easier to maintain a system that you enjoy using," she said.

The New York Times

Members agreed to maintain a system of fixed but adjustable exchange rates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintains a system", clearly define the system to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the company maintains a system for processing customer orders" instead of just "the company maintains a system".

Common error

Avoid using "maintains a system" when the system is largely self-regulating or requires minimal intervention. "Monitors a system" or "oversees a system" may be more accurate if the effort is not intensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintains a system" functions as a verb phrase, where "maintains" is the verb and "a system" is the object. Ludwig examples show it describing the act of keeping a process or structure operational. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintains a system" is a grammatically sound way to describe the act of keeping a particular process or structure operational. Ludwig examples from various sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications show its versatile usage across different registers. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. While alternatives like "operates a system" or "manages a system" exist, "maintains a system" specifically emphasizes the ongoing effort to preserve functionality. Being mindful of the system's complexity and the level of effort involved ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operates a system

Focuses on the active operation rather than just upkeep.

administers a system

Highlights the management aspect of running the system.

manages a system

Emphasizes the control and handling of the system.

oversees a system

Suggests a supervisory role in keeping the system functioning.

supports a system

Indicates providing resources or aid to keep the system in place.

preserves a system

Highlights the aspect of keeping it from decaying or being lost.

upholds a system

Emphasizes moral or ethical obligations to keep the system going.

sustains a system

Focuses on providing ongoing support needed for a system's survival.

keeps a system running

Informal rephrasing, emphasizing the continuous operation.

services a system

Highlights the aspect of performing maintenance tasks on the system.

FAQs

How can I use "maintains a system" in a sentence?

You can use "maintains a system" to describe an entity that actively keeps a process or structure operational. For instance, "The government "maintains a system" of national parks".

What are some alternatives to "maintains a system"?

Alternatives include "operates a system", "administers a system", or "manages a system". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "maintains a system" or "manages a system"?

Both are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Manages a system" focuses on control and direction, while "maintains a system" highlights keeping it in good working order. Choose based on the intended focus.

What does it mean to "maintain a system"?

To "maintain a system" means to keep it functioning correctly through regular checks, updates, and repairs. It implies ongoing effort to preserve the system's operational status. It is similar to "sustains a system".