they are maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ongoing upkeep or preservation of something, such as systems, equipment, or standards. Example: "The software updates ensure that they are maintained in optimal condition for user satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are maintained by the wild-type through mutations.

Nature

Rats can anticipate a daily mealtime when they are maintained on restricted feeding schedules (RFS).

Brain Research

She analyzed Drosophila telomeres, and discovered that they are maintained by special transposable elements called retrotransposons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the figures, if they are maintained, suggest that the incline is now much gentler.

The Guardian

They are maintained by defense wonks, military spouses, and, of course, by deployed soldiers.

The New York Times

And then they are maintained by the social pressure of peers.

The New York Times

Instead of traditional scheduled or breakdown maintenance practices, they are maintained on the basis of their current state/condition.

Expert Systems with Applications

They are maintained by OCF volunteer staff who operate the servers, workstations, and networking gear that helps the lab run.

University of California, Berkeley

There is also the cancer syndrome: stem cells proliferate rapidly and could divide forever if they are maintained properly.

The New Yorker

While the city owns all but a few of the buses, they are maintained and operated by the contractors.

The New York Times

They are maintained by a network of programmes, equipment and staff referred to as the nuclear enterprise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are maintained", ensure the context clearly defines what "they" refers to and the specific method or standard by which they are maintained. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are maintained" without clearly establishing what "they" refers to in the sentence or surrounding text. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are maintained" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject receives the action of being kept in a specific condition or state. As Ludwig AI points out, the context must clearly define what "they" refers to. For example, "the systems are maintained" provides clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are maintained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that indicates something is being kept in a specific condition. According to Ludwig AI, clarity regarding the referent of "they" is essential for effective communication. Its use spans across various contexts including science, news, and academia. While appropriate for formal settings, remember to ensure that the object to which "they" refers is explicitly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they are preserved" or "they are sustained" can be used to add nuance or variety, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are preserved

Focuses on keeping something safe from harm or decay, emphasizing its original state.

they are sustained

Highlights the act of supporting or upholding something to prevent it from failing or diminishing.

they are upheld

Emphasizes adherence to standards or principles, ensuring they are not compromised.

they are conserved

Suggests careful management and protection to prevent waste or depletion.

they are kept up

Implies regular maintenance and effort to keep something in good condition.

they are retained

Focuses on keeping something without loss or change, often implying a conscious decision.

they are guarded

Highlights protection against unwanted changes or threats.

they are administered

Focuses on the procedural aspects of making sure everything is handled correctly.

they are supported

Highlights the systems in place to keep things in a working or functional order.

they are looked after

Implies care and attention, especially to ensure well-being or proper functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "they are maintained" in a sentence?

Use "they are maintained" to describe how systems, standards, or equipment are kept in good working order. For example, "The quality standards will be assessed and we will ensure "they are maintained"".

What is a formal alternative to "they are maintained"?

In formal contexts, you could use alternatives such as "they are preserved", "they are sustained", or "they are upheld" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "they are maintained" or "they are kept up"?

"They are maintained" is generally more formal and implies a structured or systematic approach to upkeep. "They are kept up" is more casual and suggests ongoing effort. The choice depends on the context.

How does using "they are maintained" differ from "they are supported"?

"They are maintained" implies keeping something in a specific condition, while "they are supported" suggests providing assistance to ensure functionality or stability. The former emphasizes upkeep, the latter, assistance.