I maintain that
Presentation and public speaking expression
Literalmente: I keep/hold the position that
Use this phrase to show you are standing firm on an opinion despite opposition.
Em 15 segundos
- A firm way to state a lasting opinion or belief.
- Used to defend a point of view against disagreement.
- Common in presentations, debates, and professional discussions.
Significado
This phrase is a strong way to say you still believe something is true, even if other people disagree with you. It shows you are standing your ground and haven't changed your mind after thinking about it.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6In a business meeting about a project delay
I maintain that our original timeline was realistic if the resources had been allocated.
I maintain that our original timeline was realistic if the resources had been allocated.
Debating with friends about a movie
I maintain that the sequel was actually better than the original film.
I maintain that the sequel was actually better than the original film.
Texting a friend about a sports team
I still maintain that they would have won if the ref hadn't made that call!
I still maintain that they would have won if the ref hadn't made that call!
Contexto cultural
The phrase has roots in formal logic and legal proceedings, where a 'maintained' position is one that has survived scrutiny. In British and American professional culture, using this phrase suggests you are a person of conviction who doesn't easily fold under pressure. It is often used by pundits and analysts on news programs to assert their long-term predictions.
The 'Still' Power-Up
If you want to sound particularly determined after someone has tried to convince you otherwise, add `still`. Saying `I still maintain that...` shows you've listened but haven't changed your mind.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single opinion, you might sound a bit arrogant or like you're trying too hard to be formal. Save it for your most important points.
Em 15 segundos
- A firm way to state a lasting opinion or belief.
- Used to defend a point of view against disagreement.
- Common in presentations, debates, and professional discussions.
What It Means
I maintain that is like planting your feet firmly in the ground. It tells people that your opinion isn't just a random thought. You have considered the facts and you are sticking to your conclusion. It is a more powerful version of saying "I think" or "I believe." When you use this, you are signaling that you are ready to defend your point of view. It suggests a level of certainty and persistence.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a full sentence or a clause. For example: I maintain that we should leave early. It acts as a formal introduction to your main point. You can add the word still to make it even stronger: I still maintain that... This shows that despite everything you've heard, your mind is made up. It’s a great way to sound authoritative without being aggressive.
When To Use It
This is a superstar phrase for presentations and public speaking. Use it when you are presenting a theory or a business strategy. It’s also perfect for a healthy debate with friends over dinner. If someone challenges your choice of a restaurant, you can say, I maintain that their pasta is the best in town. It works well in emails when you need to reiterate a point you made previously. It makes you sound like someone who has done their homework.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for very casual or unimportant things. Saying I maintain that I want a glass of water sounds way too dramatic and a bit weird. It’s also not the best choice if you want to sound open-minded or flexible. If you use it too much, you might come across as stubborn or unwilling to listen to others. Don't use it if you aren't actually sure about what you're saying—it’s a phrase for experts and confident speakers.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking academic and legal cultures, consistency is highly valued. This phrase comes from a tradition of formal rhetoric where speakers had to "maintain" a thesis against counter-arguments. It carries a sense of intellectual integrity. It’s the verbal equivalent of a lawyer presenting a closing argument. In modern times, it has moved from the courtroom to the boardroom, but it still keeps that feeling of "holding the line."
Common Variations
You might hear people say I would maintain that to sound a little more polite or less confrontational. Another common version is It is maintained that, which is very formal and often used in academic writing to avoid saying "I." If you want to be a bit more casual but keep the meaning, you could say I still say that. However, for a professional touch, I maintain that is your best bet.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits in the 'formal' to 'neutral' register. It is most effective when you are re-asserting a point that has been questioned or when you want to appear authoritative in a professional setting.
The 'Still' Power-Up
If you want to sound particularly determined after someone has tried to convince you otherwise, add `still`. Saying `I still maintain that...` shows you've listened but haven't changed your mind.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single opinion, you might sound a bit arrogant or like you're trying too hard to be formal. Save it for your most important points.
The 'Polite' Softener
In British English, people often say `I would maintain that` to sound less aggressive. It's a 'soft' way of being very firm!
Exemplos
6I maintain that our original timeline was realistic if the resources had been allocated.
I maintain that our original timeline was realistic if the resources had been allocated.
The speaker is defending their previous planning against criticism.
I maintain that the sequel was actually better than the original film.
I maintain that the sequel was actually better than the original film.
A firm but friendly way to hold a controversial opinion.
I still maintain that they would have won if the ref hadn't made that call!
I still maintain that they would have won if the ref hadn't made that call!
Using 'still' adds emphasis to the speaker's persistent belief.
I maintain that putting ketchup on eggs is a crime against humanity.
I maintain that putting ketchup on eggs is a crime against humanity.
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates a funny, hyperbolic effect.
I maintain that I acted with the best intentions, even if the outcome was poor.
I maintain that I acted with the best intentions, even if the outcome was poor.
The phrase helps the speaker protect their character and intent.
I maintain that immediate policy shifts are the only way to meet these targets.
I maintain that immediate policy shifts are the only way to meet these targets.
This establishes the speaker's authority and expert stance.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a formal debate context.
Despite the new evidence, I ___ that my initial hypothesis is correct.
`Maintain` is the standard verb used in this specific idiomatic structure to express a persistent belief.
Select the correct preposition to follow the phrase.
I maintain ___ the company needs to pivot its strategy immediately.
The phrase `I maintain` is almost always followed by the conjunction `that` to introduce a clause.
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Recursos visuais
Formality of Expressing Opinions
Used with close friends for minor topics.
I reckon...
Standard way to give an opinion.
I think that...
Used in debates and presentations.
I maintain that...
Legal or highly academic contexts.
It is the contention of this speaker that...
When to say 'I maintain that'
Boardroom Meeting
Defending a budget proposal.
Academic Debate
Supporting a specific theory.
Friendly Argument
Insisting your favorite team is the best.
Customer Complaint
Insisting you were overcharged.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot quite. I think is a general opinion, while I maintain that suggests you have held this belief for a while and are prepared to defend it.
Yes, but usually only if you are being slightly dramatic or having a serious debate. For example: I still maintain that movie was boring!
No, it's actually great for interviews! It makes you sound confident and consistent, like in I maintain that customer service is the priority.
The past tense is I maintained that. You use it to describe a position you held in the past, like I always maintained that he was innocent.
No. While maintain can mean to keep something in good condition (like a car), in this context, it means to assert or state something strongly.
Usually, it's used for opinions, theories, or interpretations of facts rather than simple facts like I maintain that the sky is blue.
Yes, it is very common in both American and British English, especially in professional and academic settings.
Yes, that is a common variation. You can say I maintain my position or I maintain my stance as well.
You could say I'm telling you, or I'm sticking with what I said.
It can sound a bit confrontational if your tone is angry, but generally, it just sounds firm and professional.
Frases relacionadas
I contend that
A very formal way to present an argument in a debate.
I'm of the opinion that
A slightly more wordy and formal way to say 'I think'.
I stand by
To continue to support a statement or decision you made.
It is my firm belief that
A very strong, personal way to express a deep conviction.
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