to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

"to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be kept in its current state, such as a building or a relationship. Example: "We must work hard to maintain the bonds of trust and respect between our two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"to maintain the security".

The New York Times

Anything to maintain harmony.

The New Yorker

No hair to maintain.

The New York Times

Too costly to maintain!

The New Yorker

"Try to maintain your distance.

The New York Times

We've got to maintain it".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's also easy to maintain".

The New York Times - Arts

We have to maintain it".

The New York Times

We need to maintain that".

The New York Times

It's a pain to maintain".

The New York Times

"You have to maintain it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to maintain", ensure the object of the phrase is clearly defined. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity about what needs to be sustained or preserved.

Common error

While "to maintain" is versatile, avoid overusing it in informal communication. Consider using more straightforward alternatives like "to keep" or "to continue" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to maintain" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose. It is typically used to introduce a clause that explains the reason for an action, aiming to preserve or continue a particular state or condition. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to maintain" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive used to express the purpose of preserving or continuing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable in written English. Examples demonstrate its prevalence across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, ensuring clarity by defining the object of the phrase is crucial. While alternatives like "in order to preserve" exist, "to maintain" offers a direct and effective way to convey the intention behind an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to preserve

Changes the verb to "preserve" emphasizing keeping something intact.

so as to continue

Replaces "maintain" with "continue" to highlight the aspect of ongoing action.

with the aim of sustaining

Uses "sustaining" to focus on long-term support or endurance.

for the purpose of keeping

Emphasizes the intention behind the action of maintaining.

in an effort to conserve

Highlights the careful management or preservation aspect.

to ensure the continuation of

Focuses on guaranteeing that something will persist.

as a means to uphold

Highlights the active support and defense of something.

with a view to retain

Emphasizes keeping possession of something.

to facilitate the persistence of

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the ease of continuation.

in order to perpetuate

Suggests causing something to continue indefinitely.

FAQs

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

You can use "to maintain" to express the need to preserve or continue something. For example, "It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle" or "The company needs to maintain its market share".

What are some alternatives to "to maintain"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in order to preserve", "so as to continue", or "with the aim of sustaining".

Is it better to use "to maintain" or "to keep up"?

While both phrases express a similar idea, "to maintain" often suggests a more deliberate effort to preserve something in its current state. "To keep up" implies a continuous effort to stay at the same level or pace.

What is the difference between "to maintain" and "to sustain"?

"To maintain" generally means to keep something in its current condition, while "to sustain" implies providing support or resources to ensure something can continue to exist or function. For example, you might "maintain" a garden by weeding it, but you "sustain" it by providing water and nutrients.