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TO MAINTAIN We use this word a lot, but the Russians never do. Now you will!


✔ To keep something in an existing state (from decline, making repairs, correcting problems) 
- We need to maintain discipline in class 
- I am going to maintain my manly beauty. 
- You should maintain your car once a year 
- He couldn't maintain his diet so he turned into a fat bastard. 

✔ To affirm an argument (assert): 
- He maintained that he didn't kill the chicken! 
-We used to maintain that the world was flat! 

✔ To provide for: 
- Excuse me, but I have a family to maintain! 

● Other examples: (learn some of these common collocations by heart): 
- They have always maintained high standards of professional conduct. 
- He has found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. 
- The company has done a poor job of maintaining its computer network. 
- It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained. 
- She was finding it hard to maintain her balance. 
- She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate. 
- It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy. 
- The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft. 
- The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order. 

● Noun: Maintenance: 
- The building has suffered from years of poor maintenance. 
- The costs of routine car maintenance 
- Maintenance of law and order 
- Money for the family's maintenance

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