Confusing words explained
“maintain” vs “obtain” — What’s the Difference?
obtain means to get something; maintain means to keep it
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: maintain vs obtain
obtain means to get something; maintain means to keep it
maintain vs obtain Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of maintain
To keep something in good condition or continue at the same level.
To keep something working well or to continue doing something regularly.
Use maintain when describing keeping something in working order or continuing a condition, relationship, or standard.
- You must maintain your car regularly to keep it safe.
- The company maintains high quality standards in all products.
Meaning of obtain
To get, acquire, or secure something.
To get or receive something that you want or need.
Use in formal or official contexts like business, law, or academic writing.
- You can obtain a visa by submitting the required documents.
- How did you obtain that information from the database?
How to Remember the Difference
Obtain = get it (the start); maintain = keep it (the ongoing).
Common Mistakes with maintain and obtain
Mistake with maintain
Wrong: We must maintain the quality standards.
Correct: We must maintain high quality standards. / We must maintain our quality standards.
Maintain usually requires an object with a descriptor; bare 'quality standards' is vague
Mistake with maintain
Wrong: They maintaining contact with family.
Correct: They are maintaining contact with family.
Gerund must follow a helping verb; use are maintaining or maintain without gerund
Mistake with obtain
Wrong: I will obtain to buy the ticket tomorrow.
Correct: I will obtain a ticket tomorrow.
Obtain is transitive; add the noun directly without preposition.
Mistake with obtain
Wrong: He obtains the documents last week.
Correct: He obtained the documents last week.
Past event requires past tense 'obtained', not present 'obtains'.
Practice Quiz: maintain or obtain?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
You must _____ your car regularly to keep it safe.
Question 2
It is difficult to _____ friendships when you move away.
Question 3
You can _____ a visa by submitting the required documents.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About maintain vs obtain
What’s the difference between “maintain” and “obtain”?
obtain means to get something; maintain means to keep it
When should I use “maintain”?
Use maintain when describing keeping something in working order or continuing a condition, relationship, or standard.
When should I use “obtain”?
Use in formal or official contexts like business, law, or academic writing.
How can I remember maintain vs obtain?
Obtain = get it (the start); maintain = keep it (the ongoing).
Is it “maintain” or “obtain” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.