shall maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate an obligation or requirement to keep something in a certain state or condition. Example: "The contractor shall maintain the property in good condition throughout the duration of the lease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Client shall maintain in its Digital Media, at all times that the Services are displayed, a link from the Services to GNM's website currently located atwww.theguardian.com or at some other URL as may replace it from time to time.

The Guardian

"At the Travis County Jail, we follow the law, and the law says that when an ICE detainer is put on, the law enforcement agency shall maintain that individual for 48 hours".

The New York Times

But Mr Mugabe is determined that he and his party shall maintain their grip on the country he has ruled since 1980.The police are being as partisan after the election as before.

The Economist

The dispute goes back to a section of the 1901 Constitution dealing with education, which says the state shall maintain "a liberal system of public schools," before dictating that those schools remain separate for white and black children.

The New York Times

In my Philadelphia grade school, we paraded with flags, singing "The Marines Hymnn" and "Here Comes the Flag!" ("Fathers shall bless it / Children caress it / All shall maintain it / No one shall stain it").

The New Yorker

The form signed by clients was called a custodian agreement, and it said the bank "shall maintain adequate records indicating the ownership by the principal of investments with BLMIS and held by the bank as custodian for the principal".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

You shall regularly maintain Your Blog and shall determine its content.

The Guardian

Receiving Party shall hold and maintain the Confidential Information in strict confidence for the benefit of the Disclosing Party.

The New Yorker

The code says "the owner of a dwelling shall properly maintain and keep in good repair the plumbing and drainage system, including water closets, toilets, sinks and other fixtures".

The New York Times

The Board shall also maintain a branch in Switzerland.

Forbes

This shall equally maintain a very high specific surface area following the reduction step.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shall maintain" in legal or formal documents, ensure the specific responsibilities and conditions are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of stating "the system shall maintain security", specify "the system shall maintain data security through encryption and regular audits".

Common error

Avoid using "shall maintain" in casual writing or conversation, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "must keep" or "will ensure" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall maintain" functions as a deontic modal verb phrase, indicating an obligation or requirement. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where a specific standard or condition must be upheld, reflecting its role in establishing duties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall maintain" is a formal expression used to indicate a legal, contractual, or regulatory obligation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and primarily appears in formal contexts like news, science, and business. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations requiring precision and clarity in establishing duties. For more casual contexts, consider using alternatives such as "must maintain" or "will maintain". Overall, understanding the register and context is crucial for effectively using "shall maintain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must maintain

Replaces "shall" with "must", indicating a strong obligation.

is required to maintain

Specifies a formal requirement to maintain something.

is obligated to maintain

Highlights the obligation aspect of maintaining something.

will maintain

Uses "will" instead of "shall", offering a more direct statement of intent or requirement.

are to maintain

Similar to "shall", but can sound slightly more prescriptive.

is bound to maintain

Expresses a binding commitment to maintain something.

undertakes to maintain

Indicates a formal undertaking or promise to maintain something.

should maintain

Indicates a recommendation or expectation to maintain something.

needs to maintain

Emphasizes the necessity of maintaining something.

is responsible for maintaining

Focuses on the responsibility aspect of maintaining something.

FAQs

What does "shall maintain" mean?

"Shall maintain" is a formal phrase indicating a duty or obligation to keep something in a specific condition. It is commonly used in legal and official contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "shall maintain"?

Use "shall maintain" in formal documents, contracts, or legal agreements where you want to express a clear obligation or requirement. It's less suitable for informal or conversational writing.

What are some alternatives to "shall maintain"?

You can use alternatives like "must maintain", "is required to maintain", or "will maintain" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "shall maintain" more or less formal than "will maintain"?

"Shall maintain" is generally considered more formal and prescriptive than "will maintain". "Shall" implies a stronger sense of duty or legal obligation.