maintains constant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintains constant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that keeps a steady or unchanging state over time. Example: "The thermostat maintains constant temperature throughout the day to ensure comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Management maintains "constant vigilance".

The New York Times

Radio, on the other hand, although limited in distance, maintains constant contact with the dog.

The New York Times - Tech

Arrayed on the ground were such items as a water purifier, shakers for test tubes and vials, and a water bath that maintains constant temperature.

The New York Times

"Mr. Orfaly maintains constant contact" with Mr. Morelli in prison, Mr. Capozzolo told the court, noting that Mr. Orfaly "has visited him and engaged in telephone conversations".

The New York Times

What becomes of them and their strange acquisition is the subject of a finely paced, immaculately crafted piece that maintains constant musical and dramatic momentum over its 110-minute span.

The Guardian - Music

Yet at Cragside, as with all of the trust's 300-plus historic house museums, employees still use a standard British mid-20th-century conservation method — chiefly an electric or hot water heating system that maintains constant humidity levels — to protect irreplaceable treasures, like its painting by J. M. W. Turner and its early Burroughes & Watts billiard table.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"We support maintaining constant dialogue at the highest level".

The New York Times

In Grosvenor Square however, the breakaway element maintained constant assaults against the police cordon for four hours.

The Guardian

An automatic governor rotates the blades about their support axis to maintain constant generator speed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IAP was continuously monitored and maintained constant.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

The water/binder was maintained constant.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintains constant", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being kept constant and why it is important. This helps to emphasize the significance of the unchanging state.

Common error

Be careful not to use "maintains constant" when a simpler term like "is constant" would suffice. Redundancy can weaken your writing and make it sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintains constant" functions as a verb phrase, where "maintains" is the verb and "constant" acts as an adjective describing the state being upheld. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintains constant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes an action taken to keep something at a consistent level. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various formal contexts, particularly in science and news media, where precision and stability are important. While alternatives like "keeps constant" and "remains unchanged" exist, "maintains constant" emphasizes the active effort involved in ensuring consistency. It's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding redundancy and ensuring clarity in the context. The abundance of real-world examples provided by Ludwig showcases its versatility and reliability in different writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeps constant

Replaces "maintains" with "keeps", emphasizing the act of holding something in a constant state.

preserves constant

Substitutes "maintains" with "preserves", highlighting the effort to keep something constant against potential changes.

retains constant

Uses "retains" instead of "maintains", focusing on the act of holding onto something in a consistent manner.

sustains constant

Employs "sustains" to suggest that the constant state is being supported or prolonged.

ensures constant

Shifts the focus to the action of making sure something remains constant.

guarantees constant

Similar to "ensures constant", but with a stronger emphasis on the certainty of the constant state.

upholds constant

Suggests a deliberate effort to maintain the constant state, often in the face of challenges.

holds steady

A more concise alternative, focusing on the unwavering nature of what is being kept constant.

remains unchanged

Shifts the emphasis from active maintenance to a state of being without change.

stays consistent

Focuses on the consistency of something over time, rather than the act of maintaining it.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintains constant" to describe something that actively keeps a specific factor at a consistent level. For example, "The system "maintains constant" pressure to ensure optimal performance".

What are some alternatives to "maintains constant"?

Alternatives include phrases like "keeps constant", "preserves constant", or "remains unchanged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "maintains a constant" or "maintains constant"?

"Maintains constant" is generally preferred when referring to an ongoing or inherent state. "Maintains a constant" might be used when initiating or setting up that state.

What's the difference between "maintains constant" and "remains constant"?

"Maintains constant" implies an active effort to keep something consistent, while "remains constant" suggests that something is inherently stable without requiring active intervention.