maintains to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintains to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard English, and it may confuse readers due to its lack of clarity. Example: "He maintains to have completed the project on time, but there is no evidence to support his claim."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

That's the way, Dan Casarella maintains, to make a deep connection.

The New York Times - Magazine

Based on this evidence, Venezuela resurrected its claims, which it maintains to this day.

The New York Times

Two years later Mr. Ayres took over daily management of Mr. Chapin's foundation, a post he maintains to this day.

The New York Times

El Sistema exists, he maintains, "to strengthen the moral and spiritual development of the country" in whichever form that takes.

The Guardian - Music

That also applies, he maintains, to some 300,000 of them who are not recognised as Jewish under Israeli law.

The Economist

This failure was linked, she maintains, to a self-imposed glass ceiling: her refusal to bow to the preferences of party leaders in her hiring of court personnel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Radio silence was maintained to avoid detection.

Huffington Post

We want to maintain this Moroccan singularity".

The New York Times

We will maintain contact to explore options".

BBC

Fish were maintained according to standard protocols.

Plosone

Larger ponds are easier to to maintain.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "maintains to" in formal writing. Opt for more standard alternatives like "claims to", "asserts", or "maintains that" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

A common error is using "maintains to" due to confusion with the correct construction "maintains that". Remember that "maintain" typically needs a "that" clause or a direct object, not an infinitive ("to + verb").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintains to" is an incorrect grammatical construction. It appears to be an attempt to use "maintain" with an infinitive, which is not standard English. Instead, it is typically followed by 'that' + clause or a direct object. Ludwig AI points out its grammatical incorrectness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

35%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "maintains to" appears with high frequency in various sources, including news, science, and online encyclopedias, it is grammatically incorrect according to standard English. Ludwig AI confirms its lack of grammatical correctness. The intended meaning is often to express someone's assertion or continued stance, but the incorrect construction can lead to confusion. For clearer and more accurate communication, it is advisable to use alternative phrases such as "claims to", "asserts", or "maintains that". Despite its frequent appearance, its incorrectness makes it unsuitable for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asserts

This alternative replaces the entire phrase with a single, grammatically correct verb that indicates a strong declaration or statement.

claims

This option is a more straightforward substitute, conveying that someone states something as a fact, even if it might be questioned.

contends

This word is a more formal option, suitable for academic or legal contexts, indicating that someone argues for a particular point of view.

upholds

Focuses on the act of supporting or defending something, usually a principle or decision.

preserves

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in its original state, often used when discussing traditions or qualities.

continues to maintain

Highlights the ongoing nature of the maintenance or support of something over a period of time.

insists

Highlights the firmness and persistence of the statement. Someone not only claims something, but they emphasize that they are sure about it.

alleges

This verb indicates that someone claims something has happened, usually something wrong or illegal, without offering proof.

professes

This suggests that someone claims to have a particular feeling, quality, or belief.

avows

This option indicates a strong and open declaration or affirmation.

FAQs

Is "maintains to" grammatically correct?

No, "maintains to" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It is better to use phrases like "claims to" or "maintains that" depending on the intended meaning.

What's a more formal alternative to "maintains to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "asserts" or "contends" instead of "maintains to". These words convey a stronger sense of conviction and are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

How can I use "maintain" correctly in a sentence?

Use "maintain" followed by "that" (e.g., "He maintains that the project is on schedule"), or use "maintain" to indicate preserving something (e.g., "They maintain a high level of quality"). Avoid using "maintain to".

What is the difference between "maintains to" and "maintains that"?

"Maintains to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "maintains that", which introduces a clause stating what someone believes or asserts. For example, "He maintains that he is innocent".