Sustain vs Maintain: Differences And Uses For Each One

When it comes to choosing the right word to use in a particular context, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between similar terms. One such example is the use of “sustain” versus “maintain.” While these two words are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences in their meaning and usage.

So which of the two is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. In general, “sustain” refers to the act of maintaining or continuing something over time, often in the face of challenges or obstacles. “Maintain,” on the other hand, typically refers to the act of keeping something in a particular state or condition.

More specifically, “sustain” can refer to:

• Keeping something going or continuing it over time
• Supporting or upholding something, such as a cause or belief
• Enduring or withstanding something, such as hardship or adversity

Meanwhile, “maintain” can refer to:

• Keeping something in a particular state or condition, such as a machine or building
• Preserving or protecting something, such as a tradition or culture
• Continuing to hold a particular opinion or belief

While these definitions may seem similar, the key difference is that “sustain” emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action, while “maintain” emphasizes the desired state or condition. Understanding this difference can help you choose the right word to use in any given situation.

With this in mind, let’s explore the nuances of these two words in more detail, and examine some common situations where one might be more appropriate than the other.

Define Sustain

Sustain refers to the act of maintaining or continuing a certain level of performance, quality, or condition over time. It is the ability to keep something in existence or operation for an extended period of time, without causing any negative impact on the environment or resources.

For instance, in the context of environmental sustainability, it involves the responsible use of natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the business world, it refers to the ability of a company to maintain its financial performance, market share, and customer base over a long period of time.

Sustainability is often associated with the concept of resilience, which is the ability to adapt and recover from challenges or disruptions. A sustainable system or process is one that can withstand external pressures and maintain its functionality and efficiency.

Define Maintain

Maintain refers to the act of preserving, repairing, or keeping something in its existing state or condition. It is the process of preventing or correcting any damage, deterioration, or malfunction that may occur over time.

For example, in the context of physical maintenance, it involves the regular cleaning, inspection, and repair of equipment, machinery, or buildings to ensure their proper functioning and safety. In the context of personal health, it involves the adoption of healthy habits and practices to prevent illness or injury.

Maintenance is often associated with the concept of reliability, which is the ability of a system or process to perform consistently and predictably over time. A well-maintained system or process is one that is less likely to break down or fail, and is therefore more efficient and productive.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. Often, people interchangeably use the words sustain and maintain, but these two words have distinct meanings. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words sustain and maintain in a sentence.

How To Use “Sustain” In A Sentence

The word sustain means to support, maintain, or endure. It is often used in the context of keeping something going or alive. Here are some examples of how to use sustain in a sentence:

• The company is struggling to sustain its profits.
• He sustained a serious injury during the game.
• It is important to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

In the first example, sustain is used to mean maintain or keep going. The second example uses sustain to mean endure or suffer through. The last example uses sustain to mean support or uphold.

How To Use “Maintain” In A Sentence

The word maintain means to keep in a certain state or condition. It is often used in the context of keeping something the same or preventing it from changing. Here are some examples of how to use maintain in a sentence:

• The company wants to maintain its reputation for quality products.
• She maintains a strict exercise routine.
• The government is tasked with maintaining law and order.

In the first example, maintain is used to mean keep the same or preserve. The second example uses maintain to mean keep up or continue. The last example uses maintain to mean uphold or enforce.

Overall, it is important to use the words sustain and maintain correctly in a sentence to avoid confusion and clearly convey the intended meaning.

More Examples Of Sustain & Maintain Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between sustain and maintain, it can be helpful to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how both words can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Sustain In A Sentence

• The company was able to sustain its growth for several years.
• The athlete needed to sustain his energy throughout the entire race.
• The building was not able to sustain the force of the earthquake.
• It is important to sustain a healthy diet in order to maintain good health.
• The forest ecosystem is able to sustain a diverse range of plant and animal life.
• The organization relies on donations to sustain its operations.
• He was unable to sustain his argument in the face of strong opposition.
• The company implemented new policies to sustain its success.
• The artist’s popularity was able to sustain itself over many years.
• She was able to sustain her concentration despite the distractions in the room.

Examples Of Using Maintain In A Sentence

• The company needed to maintain its reputation in order to attract new customers.
• The building required regular maintenance in order to prevent structural issues.
• It is important to maintain a consistent exercise routine in order to see results.
• The organization was able to maintain its funding through careful budgeting.
• The artist maintained a high level of creativity throughout his career.
• He was determined to maintain his independence despite his physical limitations.
• The company was able to maintain its market share through innovative marketing strategies.
• She was able to maintain her composure during the stressful situation.
• The government needed to maintain law and order in the face of civil unrest.
• The athlete was able to maintain his lead throughout the entire race.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words sustain and maintain, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using sustain and maintain:

Mistake 1: Using Sustain Instead Of Maintain

One common mistake is using sustain when maintain is the correct word to use. Sustain refers to keeping something going or maintaining its level, while maintain means to keep something in good condition or preserve its existing state. For example, you would use maintain when referring to a car or a building, but sustain when referring to an ecosystem or a community.

Mistake 2: Using Maintain Instead Of Sustain

Another mistake is using maintain when sustain is the appropriate word to use. Sustain refers to supporting or nourishing something, while maintain means to keep something in the same state or condition. For example, you would use sustain when referring to a business or a relationship, but maintain when referring to a machine or a garden.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of sustain and maintain and use them in the appropriate context. Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes:

• Take the time to look up the definitions of sustain and maintain before using them in your writing.
• Consider the context in which you are using the words and choose the appropriate word based on its meaning.
• Read your writing out loud to ensure that you have used the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words sustain and maintain, it’s important to consider the context in which they are being used. While these two words share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that can impact their usage.

Choosing Between Sustain And Maintain

One key factor to consider when choosing between sustain and maintain is the level of effort required to keep something going. Sustain is often used to describe ongoing efforts to support or keep something going, while maintain is more often used to describe ongoing efforts to keep something at a certain level or prevent it from deteriorating.

For example, if you were talking about a business that is struggling to stay afloat, you might use the word sustain to describe the ongoing efforts that are required to keep the business going. On the other hand, if you were talking about a business that is already successful and you want to keep it that way, you might use the word maintain to describe the ongoing efforts that are required to keep the business at its current level of success.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some additional examples of different contexts where the choice between sustain and maintain might change:

• Environmental Sustainability: When talking about efforts to protect the environment, sustain is often used to describe ongoing efforts to support the health and well-being of the planet. Maintain might be used to describe ongoing efforts to prevent further damage or degradation to the environment.
• Personal Health: When talking about personal health, sustain might be used to describe ongoing efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Maintain might be used to describe ongoing efforts to manage a chronic condition, such as diabetes.
• Technology: When talking about technology, sustain might be used to describe ongoing efforts to support and maintain existing systems, while maintain might be used to describe ongoing efforts to prevent security breaches or other issues that could compromise the system.

As you can see, the choice between sustain and maintain can depend on a variety of factors, including the level of effort required, the desired outcome, and the context in which the words are being used. By considering these factors carefully, you can choose the right word to convey your intended meaning and create clear and effective communication.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using sustain and maintain are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, these words may be used in ways that deviate from their typical definitions.

Exceptions For Sustain

One exception to the rule for using sustain involves the word’s use in the medical field. In this context, sustain can refer to keeping a patient alive or stabilizing their condition. For example, a patient in critical condition may require life support to sustain their vital functions.

Another exception for sustain involves its use in the environmental context. In this case, sustain can refer to the responsible use and preservation of natural resources. For example, sustainable farming practices prioritize soil health and biodiversity in order to sustain the productivity of the land over time.

Exceptions For Maintain

Like sustain, maintain can also be used in ways that deviate from its typical definition. One exception to the rule for using maintain involves its use in the legal context. In this context, maintain can refer to defending a claim or keeping a legal action in progress. For example, a lawyer may maintain that their client is innocent in court.

Another exception for maintain involves its use in the context of relationships. In this case, maintain can refer to nurturing and preserving a relationship over time. For example, a couple may work to maintain their connection by communicating openly and spending quality time together.

While sustain and maintain typically have distinct meanings, there are exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, these words may be used in unique ways that deviate from their typical definitions. By understanding these exceptions, you can better navigate the nuances of the English language and communicate more effectively in a variety of settings.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between sustain and maintain, it is time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (sustain or maintain) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. It is important to ________ a healthy diet in order to stay fit.
2. The company was able to ________ its profits despite the economic downturn.
3. We need to ________ our focus on customer satisfaction in order to remain competitive.
4. The athlete was unable to ________ his performance due to an injury.
5. It is difficult to ________ a conversation with someone who is not listening.

Answers:

1. maintain
2. sustain
3. maintain
4. sustain
5. maintain

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the words sustain and maintain correctly:

Sustain	Maintain
The rainforest ecosystem relies on a delicate balance to ________ its biodiversity.	It is important to ________ a positive attitude in the workplace.
Without proper care, the bridge will not be able to ________ heavy traffic.	The company was able to ________ its reputation through excellent customer service.
The marathon runner needed to ________ his pace in order to finish the race.	We must ________ our commitment to sustainability in all aspects of our business.

Explanations:

Sustain means to keep something going or maintain its condition, while maintain means to keep something in a certain state or condition. In the exercise above, you had to choose the correct word to fill in the blank or write a sentence using each word correctly. By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of sustain and maintain in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of “sustain” and “maintain” is crucial in communicating effectively. While the two words are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately.

Remember that “sustain” refers to the ability to keep something going or to support something over time, while “maintain” refers to the act of keeping something in good condition or preserving something.

Using the wrong word can cause confusion and even change the meaning of a sentence. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between these two words and use them correctly in your writing and speaking.

Key Takeaways:

• “Sustain” refers to the ability to keep something going or to support something over time.
• “Maintain” refers to the act of keeping something in good condition or preserving something.
• Using the wrong word can cause confusion and even change the meaning of a sentence.

By paying attention to the context and meaning of the sentence, you can determine which word is appropriate to use.

Finally, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve your communication skills. By expanding your knowledge and understanding of language, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.