may be maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something is possible to keep or continue. Example: "The current level of funding may be maintained if the project meets its milestones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Straight faces may be maintained throughout, but fun is being had, though the participants seldom admit it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The erection may be maintained for long periods, even long after the female partner has achieved orgasm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If a particular site asks for detailed research about a topic, comScore says "selected anonymous records relating to that specific site may be maintained indefinitely".

The Guardian - Tech

A coppice usually results from human woodcutting activity and may be maintained by continually cutting new growth as it reaches usable size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Buildings, topography, and rocks may be maintained almost the same for substantial periods of time, but vegetation changes constantly, with both seasonal adjustments and annual growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are situated on the seacoast, thus facilitating the rapid transfer of specimens to the laboratory where they may be maintained in seawater provided by special circulating systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Featured image: Getty/Phil Ashley.

TechCrunch

Some of these improvements may be maintained during long-term treatment.

Epilepsy & Behavior

The dense plasma layers may be maintained by these strong fields.

Earth, Planets and Space

It may be maintained that it is quite unclear how we can know of moral facts.

SEP

However, a certain parameter difference may be maintained between two zones that are far away from each other.

Renewable Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be maintained", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept or continued and under what conditions. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may be maintained" excessively in passive constructions. Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use an active voice, which often results in stronger and more direct writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be maintained" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be kept in a certain state or condition. Ludwig provides various examples where the phrase is used to express the possibility of continuation, preservation, or upholding of different aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be maintained" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the potential for something to continue or be preserved. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts, it serves to express possibility rather than certainty. When using "may be maintained", ensure clarity regarding what is being preserved and the conditions influencing its continuity. Alternatives like "can be sustained" or "could be preserved" offer nuanced variations for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be sustained

Indicates the possibility of continuing or supporting something over time.

could be preserved

Emphasizes the potential for keeping something in its original condition.

might be upheld

Suggests the possibility of defending or supporting something.

can be continued

Focuses on the potential for something to proceed without interruption.

may be prolonged

Highlights the possibility of extending the duration of something.

may be retained

Indicates the option of keeping something in one's possession or memory.

might be conserved

Emphasizes the potential for carefully managing and protecting resources.

can be perpetuated

Focuses on the possibility of making something continue indefinitely.

could be fostered

Suggests the possibility of nurturing and developing something.

might be supported

Indicates the potential for providing assistance or resources to something.

FAQs

How can I use "may be maintained" in a sentence?

Use "may be maintained" when indicating a possibility of something continuing or being preserved, as in, "Ecosystem resilience "may be maintained" at a level sufficient to preserve ecosystem functioning".

What are some alternatives to "may be maintained"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "can be sustained", "could be preserved", or "might be upheld", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "may be maintained" or "can be maintained"?

"May be maintained" suggests possibility, while "can be maintained" implies capability. Choose based on whether you're emphasizing possibility or ability. They are often interchangeable, but not always.

What's the difference between "may be maintained" and "may be sustained"?

"May be maintained" suggests keeping something in its current state, while "may be sustained" implies the ability to continue or support something over time. "Maintained" emphasizes preservation, while "sustained" emphasizes endurance.