we maintained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we maintained that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asserting or defending a particular position or belief in a discussion or argument. Example: "In our research, we maintained that the new policy would lead to significant improvements in employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We maintained that start time for the next seven years.

Huffington Post

And we maintained that crowd".

The New York Times

"We were going in the right direction, and we maintained that for 48 minutes.

The New York Times

We maintained that breastfeeding Mumsnet members tended to call their breasts "nookies", with one user giving herself the epithet "Nookiebutnice".

The Guardian

In a report issued by the New York City Bar Association last fall, we maintained that the arguments favoring a federal common law privilege are overwhelming.

The New York Times

In The Uneasy Case for Product Liability, we maintained that the benefits of product liability are likely to be less than its costs for many products, especially widely sold ones.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We maintain, that's all we do.

The New York Times

But, how can we maintain that kind of control in today's digital world?

Forbes

We maintain that tuition and fees are the most transparent aspects of a college's sticker price.

Forbes

How can we maintain that wonderful intimacy in a long-term relationship?

Huffington Post

Can we maintain that wonderful intimacy in a long-term relationship?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we maintained that" when you want to clearly state a position you have consistently held, especially in formal writing or when summarizing past arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "we maintained that" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "we thought" or "we believed" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we maintained that" functions as a declarative statement, introducing a viewpoint or assertion that the speaker or group has consistently held. It often prefaces a claim or conclusion, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we maintained that" is a phrase used to assert a position that has been consistently held, as identified by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and appropriate for professional and formal contexts like News, Science, and Academia, it can come across as overly formal in casual conversation. For more informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives such as "we thought" or "we believed". The phrase is relatively uncommon, but its consistent usage in authoritative sources underscores its reliability when a formal assertion is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we asserted that

Focuses on the act of stating something confidently, highlighting the speaker's firm declaration.

we contended that

Emphasizes arguing or debating a point, suggesting a more contested or disputed viewpoint.

we affirmed that

Highlights a formal declaration or confirmation of something, adding a sense of official endorsement.

we declared that

Implies a clear and emphatic announcement, often in a formal setting or with significant authority.

we posited that

Introduces a statement as a hypothesis or assumption, often in academic or theoretical contexts.

we insisted that

Stresses the firmness and persistence of the statement, suggesting resistance or opposition to other views.

we upheld that

Focuses on defending or supporting a previously stated position, often in response to challenges or doubts.

we professed that

Implies openly admitting or declaring a belief, often with a sense of sincerity or conviction.

we avowed that

Emphasizes a solemn or formal declaration, often made under oath or with strong personal commitment.

we certified that

Highlights the act of officially attesting to the truth or accuracy of something, adding a sense of guarantee or verification.

FAQs

What does "we maintained that" mean?

The phrase "we maintained that" means that a group or entity consistently asserted or held a particular belief or position. It implies a continued adherence to a specific viewpoint, often in the face of differing opinions or circumstances.

How can I use "we maintained that" in a sentence?

Use "we maintained that" to introduce a statement or conclusion that your group consistently supported. For example, "After reviewing the data, "we maintained that" the initial hypothesis was correct."

What are some alternatives to saying "we maintained that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we asserted that", "we contended that", or "we affirmed that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we maintained that" formal or informal?

"We maintained that" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives such as "we thought" or "we believed" might be more appropriate.