must maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a requirement or obligation to keep something in a certain state or condition. Example: "Employees must maintain a professional demeanor at all times while representing the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He must maintain his voice.

Independent

We must maintain the recovery.

The Guardian

We must maintain that balance...

The Washington Post

Now they must maintain it.

The Guardian - Sport

"They must maintain editorial integrity.

The Guardian

Most important, plotlines must maintain (some) logic.

The New York Times - Arts

They must maintain their own life style.

The New Yorker

Donor must maintain normal weight.

Yale University

They must maintain a C average.

The New York Times

African leaders must maintain our culture".

The Guardian

She must maintain balance, at all costs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must maintain", clearly state what needs to be maintained and why it is important. This provides context and emphasizes the significance of the requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "must maintain" without specifying clear and measurable criteria for what constitutes successful maintenance. Define specific standards to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must maintain" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a strong obligation or necessity to keep something in a particular condition or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must maintain" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of obligation or necessity in keeping something in a specific state. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. As highlighted by the numerous examples, it is frequently employed across various domains, including news and media, academia, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, it is best to specify what needs to be maintained and why, and to define specific standards. Alternatives such as "need to uphold" or "have to preserve" can be used to convey similar meanings. In summary, "must maintain" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the importance of upholding standards and ensuring the continuation of desired conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to uphold

This alternative highlights the necessity of keeping something at a certain standard.

have to preserve

This emphasizes the act of protecting and keeping something intact.

are required to keep

This indicates a mandatory obligation to maintain something.

should preserve

This implies a recommendation or strong advice to keep something intact.

ought to sustain

This suggests a moral obligation to keep something in existence or support it.

should perpetuate

This emphasizes the act of prolonging or causing something to continue indefinitely.

are bound to conserve

Highlights an obligation to use resources carefully.

are compelled to retain

This emphasizes the act of keeping something to prevent it to change in its composition.

are obliged to conserve

Similar to "are bound to conserve", but focuses more on a duty to protect.

got to sustain

Informal way to say something needs to be kept at the same level.

FAQs

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

Use "must maintain" to express a requirement or obligation to keep something in a certain state or condition. For instance, "Employees "must maintain" a professional demeanor" or "The company "must maintain" its competitive edge".

What are some alternatives to saying "must maintain"?

You can use alternatives like "need to uphold", "have to preserve", or "are required to keep", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "must maintain" or "have to maintain"?

Both "must maintain" and "have to maintain" are grammatically correct, but "must maintain" often carries a stronger sense of obligation or necessity compared to "have to maintain".

What's the difference between "must maintain" and "should maintain"?

"Must maintain" implies a requirement or obligation, while "should maintain" suggests a recommendation or advice. The former indicates a stronger imperative than the latter.