they maintain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they maintain that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone holds a particular belief or opinion about something. Example: "In their research, they maintain that climate change is primarily caused by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can they maintain that belief and confidence when everything is on the line?

The Guardian - Sport

They maintain that androcentrism as seen in traditional power-wielding patriarchal society is responsible for the striving to dominate nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If they maintain that rate of frequency, Rivera would finish the season with 81 appearances, Nelson 86 and Stanton 97.

The New York Times - Sports

Will they maintain that pace?

Vice

And how do they maintain that class?

Huffington Post

They maintain that today.

The New York Times

Otherwise, they maintain that cool.

The New York Times - Arts

They maintain that they're very different though.

The Guardian - Music

They maintain that 287 g) is arbitrary and punitive.

The Economist

But they maintain that the zoning concerns persist.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They maintain that the Texas law is a reasonable means of promoting and protecting the institution of marriage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they maintain that", ensure that you clearly identify who "they" refers to, especially if it's not immediately obvious from the context. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "they maintain that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "they say" or "they think" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

"They maintain that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement, belief, or claim held by a group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct, and its usage can be observed across various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they maintain that" serves as a useful phrase to introduce an idea or statement asserted by a group, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig. The phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, with Ludwig AI confirming its validity. While it leans towards a slightly more formal register, it is frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly defining who "they" refers to in your writing. Alternatives such as "they assert that" or "they claim that" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they assert that

Focuses on the act of stating something confidently and forcefully.

they contend that

Suggests an argument or debate is involved in their statement.

they claim that

Implies the statement might be disputed or unproven.

they argue that

Highlights the reasoning and evidence behind their statement.

they insist that

Emphasizes the firmness and persistence of their statement.

they believe that

Indicates a personal conviction or faith in their statement.

they posit that

Suggests a more formal or academic presentation of their statement.

they profess that

Implies a declaration of belief, often publicly.

they hold that

Suggests a long-held or deeply ingrained belief.

they avow that

Indicates a solemn or emphatic declaration.

FAQs

What does "they maintain that" mean?

The phrase "they maintain that" means that a group of people firmly believe or assert a particular idea or statement, even if it's disputed by others.

How can I use "they maintain that" in a sentence?

You can use "they maintain that" to introduce a belief or claim held by a group. For example, "Scientists "they maintain that" the experiment proves their hypothesis".

What are some alternatives to "they maintain that"?

Alternatives to "they maintain that" include "they assert that", "they contend that", or "they claim that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they maintain that" formal or informal?

"They maintain that" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "they say" or "they think" might be more appropriate.