maintains that

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintains that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English which can be used when someone is making an assertion or argument.
For example, "The author maintains that the current regulations are outdated and should be revised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tyreke Evans maintains that Reason charged them first.

The New York Times - Sports

But, she maintains, that means "less pressure" on the final.

BBC

The footballer maintains that he is innocent.

Independent

The city maintains that fingerprinting is appropriate.

The New York Times

(He maintains that he was extorted).

The New Yorker

(He maintains that he was wrongfully accused).

The New York Times

Israel maintains that the territory is disputed.

The New York Times

(Medici maintains that this was a misunderstanding).

The New Yorker

The industry maintains that cellphones are safe.

The New York Times

Mr. Shahat maintains that he acted alone.

The New York Times

Ozick maintains that it can.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintains that", ensure the subject truly holds a firm belief, not just a fleeting opinion. The phrase implies a level of commitment to the stated position.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "maintains that" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "asserts that", "contends that", or "argues that" to add nuance and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintains that" functions as a reporting verb construction, introducing a statement of belief or assertion. Ludwig's examples show this phrase commonly introducing a clause expressing a person's or entity's firm position on a matter. The "aiResponseStatus" confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintains that" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a firm and persistent assertion or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and formal discussions. While "maintains that" is very common, it's important to vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "asserts that", "contends that", or "argues that" to enhance the flow and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asserts that

Emphasizes a confident and forceful statement, similar to "maintains that" but with a stronger sense of conviction.

contends that

Suggests arguing or competing for a belief, similar to "maintains that" but highlighting a debate or disagreement.

insists that

Highlights the firmness and persistence of the claim, like "maintains that" but with more insistence.

argues that

Focuses on the reasoning and evidence supporting the claim, differing from "maintains that" by implying a reasoned defense.

claims that

Presents an assertion without necessarily implying strong belief or evidence, a more neutral alternative to "maintains that".

affirms that

Emphasizes the positive and confident declaration of a fact, similar to "maintains that" but with a formal tone.

states that

Offers a neutral and factual declaration, in contrast to "maintains that" which implies a continuing belief.

professes that

Suggests openly declaring a belief, similar to "maintains that" but implying a personal conviction being shared.

declares that

Emphasizes the formal and public announcement of a position, differing from "maintains that" by implying a formal setting.

holds that

Implies a deeply held belief or opinion, akin to "maintains that" but with an emphasis on the steadfast nature of the belief.

FAQs

What does "maintains that" mean?

"Maintains that" means to assert or declare something as a strongly held belief, even if there is disagreement or doubt from others. It suggests a firm and continuing conviction.

What are some alternatives to "maintains that"?

Alternatives to "maintains that" include "asserts that", "contends that", "insists that", or "argues that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "maintains that"?

The phrase "maintains that" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. In very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "says" or "thinks" may be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say "maintain that" without the "s"?

The phrase "maintain that" without the "s" is correct when the subject is plural or is the pronoun "I", "we", "you", or "they". For singular subjects like "he", "she", or "it", the correct form is "maintains that".