work to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts or actions taken to keep something in a certain state or condition. Example: "The team will work to maintain the quality of the product throughout the production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we work to maintain our sanity.

The New York Times

"It's a lot of work to maintain it, for me.

The New York Times

Regulating services Regulating services work to maintain a natural balance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fearsomely balanced – because you've got to work to maintain any sort of balance".

The Guardian - Music

But he must also work to maintain the very Yugoslav Federation over which he presides.

The New York Times

He said both countries have agreed to work to maintain peace at the historic temple.

The Guardian

He has been having a difficult time finding additional work to maintain a livable income.

The New York Times

"We will continue to work to maintain that level of protection".

The New York Times - Science

I wanted them to know that it's hard work to maintain a healthy relationship.

The Washington Post

We work to maintain an open environment where all are comfortable being themselves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kelvington continues to work to maintain and strengthen the visa program.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work to maintain", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being maintained and why it is important. This adds clarity and emphasizes the value of the effort being described.

Common error

Avoid using "work to maintain" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "Efforts are being worked to maintain the system", opt for a more direct and active voice: "The team will work to maintain the system", which conveys a stronger sense of agency and commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work to maintain" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or intention. It indicates the reason or goal behind an action, as seen in examples from Ludwig like "He said both countries have agreed to work to maintain peace at the historic temple."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work to maintain" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of making a conscious effort to preserve or continue something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. While most common in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it fits many registers, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. To ensure clear and effective communication, remember to use it actively and always specify what efforts are used for and why its persistence is so important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to preserve

Focuses on making an effort to keep something in its current state, highlighting the effort involved in preservation.

seek to sustain

Implies an ongoing effort to keep something going or existing, with a focus on longevity.

endeavor to uphold

Suggests a determined attempt to maintain a standard or principle, emphasizing commitment.

make efforts to conserve

Highlights the actions taken with care to ensure preservation.

try to conserve

Highlights the aspect of careful management and preservation of resources or qualities.

labor to retain

Emphasizes the hard work and effort involved in keeping something.

devote resources to preserve

Emphasizes the commitment of resources to ensure the continuation of something.

aim to perpetuate

Focuses on ensuring something continues into the future, often used for ideas or traditions.

take measures to protect

Suggests specific actions are being taken to keep something safe and in good condition.

exert oneself to safeguard

Suggests a significant effort to protect something from harm or loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "work to maintain" to describe efforts made to keep something in a specific condition. For example, "We must "strive to uphold" our quality standards" or "The government will "take measures to protect" the environment".

What are some alternatives to "work to maintain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "strive to preserve", "endeavor to uphold", or "seek to sustain", each carrying a slightly different nuance while conveying the same core concept of preservation.

Is it more appropriate to say "work to maintain" or "working to maintain"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "work to maintain" (infinitive form) is generally used to express intention or purpose, while "working to maintain" (gerund form) suggests an ongoing action. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example: "We must "strive to uphold" product quality".

What does it mean to "work to maintain" a relationship?

To "work to maintain" a relationship means to make consistent efforts to keep the relationship healthy and strong. This could involve communication, compromise, and actively addressing any issues that arise. The phrase emphasizes that relationships require active care and attention, and you can "exert oneself to safeguard" its components.