What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maintain
Example
It's important to maintain your car to ensure it runs smoothly. [maintain: verb]
Example
He maintained his innocence throughout the trial. [maintained: past tense]
Example
She maintains a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating well. [maintains: present tense]
preserve
Example
We need to preserve our natural resources for future generations. [preserve: verb]
Example
The museum works hard to preserve historical artifacts. [preserve: verb]
Example
The fruit was preserved in jars for the winter. [preserved: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Maintain is more commonly used than preserve in everyday language. Maintain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preserve is less common and often used in specific contexts related to history, culture, or the environment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maintain and preserve?
Both maintain and preserve can be used in formal and informal contexts, but preserve may be more formal due to its association with historical or cultural significance.
