cheap to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the low cost of maintaining or supporting something, such as a pet, a product, or a service. Example: "This breed of dog is known for being cheap to keep, as they require minimal grooming and have few health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"They were too cheap to keep a lot of good players around.

The New York Times - Sports

Many marketers try to minimize costs by pursuing only those customers who are cheap to find and cheap to keep.

Harvard Business Review

The Tatros had always been too cheap to keep up their road, and the final quarter mile was partly washed out, the gnarled bedrock exposed.

The New Yorker

But the M100 decided some of those home builders have now become just too cheap to keep passing up, and they bought into both Ryland and Toll Brothers.

Forbes

In ye olden times of 1997, it was difficult and expensive to make things public, and it was easy and cheap to keep things private.

TechCrunch

They reproduce rapidly and in large numbers (hence the term "going at it like rabbits". They are cheap to keep, also. Chickens are a good one as well, though more for their eggs than for their meat. Learn to hunt.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Are some mutts cheaper to keep than others?

The Guardian - Money

"The fishermen and business owners want electricity, since it would be much cheaper to keep things cold.

The New York Times

It's much cheaper to keep people in their existing jobs than to create new jobs elsewhere.

The New York Times

Something else may also weigh in Arecibo's favor: it may be much cheaper to keep it open.

The New York Times - Science

The easiest weapons to cut — those based in silos in the middle of the country — are also the cheapest to keep in the field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cheap to keep", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being kept, such as "This pet is cheap to keep".

Common error

Avoid using "cheap to keep" when referring to something that is initially inexpensive but has high maintenance costs over time. "Cheap to acquire" might be more appropriate in that scenario.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap to keep" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (implied or stated) to describe its cost-effectiveness in terms of maintenance. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap to keep" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that is affordable to maintain. As confirmed by Ludwig, it focuses on the financial aspect of ongoing ownership, rather than the initial purchase price. While Ludwig's examples show that it appears in diverse contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. When using "cheap to keep", make sure your meaning is clear and the context specifies what you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexpensive to maintain

Focuses on the low cost associated with upkeep.

affordable to retain

Highlights the cost-effectiveness of keeping something.

low-cost to preserve

Emphasizes the minimal expense of preserving something.

economical to hold

Suggests financial prudence in maintaining possession.

budget-friendly to conserve

Highlights the alignment with budget constraints.

cost-effective to safeguard

Emphasizes the value gained relative to the cost of protection.

easy on the wallet to sustain

A more colloquial way of saying it's not expensive to keep going.

simple to care for without great expense

Emphasizes both ease of care and low cost.

doesn't break the bank to maintain

A more informal way to say that maintenance is affordable.

financial efficient for prolonged use

Implies continued use without excessive financial burden.

FAQs

How can I use "cheap to keep" in a sentence?

You can use "cheap to keep" when discussing the low cost of maintaining something. For example, "This type of car is cheap to keep because it has good fuel efficiency and requires minimal maintenance".

What is an alternative to saying "cheap to keep"?

Alternatives include "inexpensive to maintain", "affordable to retain", or "low-cost to preserve".

Which is correct, "cheap to keep" or "easy to maintain"?

"Cheap to keep" focuses on the financial aspect of maintenance, whereas "easy to maintain" focuses on the simplicity and effort required. Both can be correct, depending on what aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "cheap to keep" and "cheap to buy"?

"Cheap to buy" refers to the initial purchase price, while "cheap to keep" refers to the ongoing costs associated with maintaining or owning something. For example, an item might be cheap to buy, but expensive to keep due to high energy consumption.