Maintain vs We continue on with the job

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Maintain

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

We continue on with the job

Top 2,000 (common)
 MaintainWe continue on with the job
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //meɪnˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //meɪnˈteɪn//🇬🇧 //wɪ kənˈtɪn.juː ɒn wɪð ðə dʒɒb//🇺🇸 //wi kənˈtɪn.ju ɑn wɪð ðə dʒɑb//
MeaningTo keep something in good condition or continue to have it.We keep working on the job.
ExampleTo maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should exercise regularly.Despite the rain, we continue on with the job.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsmaintain order, maintain balance, maintain standards, maintain equipmentcontinue on with work, continue on with projects, continue on with tasks, continue on with duties, continue on with responsibilities
Antonymsneglect, abandon, discontinue-
Common mistakesConfused with 'mainten' which is not a word., Using 'maintain' with uncountable nouns incorrectly., Omitting the object when using it in a sentence.Omitting 'on' and saying 'continue with the job'., Using 'continue on' with subjects that aren't tasks., Confusing with 'carry on' which has a slightly different meaning.
Usage notesUsed in contexts involving care, upkeep, or support. Appropriate in both spoken and written English but varies from technical discussions to daily conversation.Use 'continue on with the job' when mentioning ongoing tasks. It's neutral and suitable for formal and informal contexts.

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Maintain
We continue on with the job

Frequently asked questions: Maintain vs We continue on with the job

What's the difference between Maintain and We continue on with the job?

Maintain: To keep something in good condition or continue to have it. We continue on with the job: We keep working on the job.

Can you show an example of each?

Maintain: To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should exercise regularly. We continue on with the job: Despite the rain, we continue on with the job.

Can I use Maintain and We continue on with the job interchangeably?

Not always. Maintain and We continue on with the job are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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