cheap to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that requires little financial investment for upkeep or care. Example: "This car is not only affordable to purchase, but it is also cheap to maintain, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

COLLECTORS SAY Chevettes have little cachet, but are cheap to maintain.

The New York Times

But the school wants nothing to do with such things, which are neither simple nor cheap to maintain.

The New York Times

Most councils, though, are delighted to dispose of Victorian toilets; they prefer Automatic Public Conveniences, which charge admission and are cheap to maintain.

The Economist

Reviving the Truth campaign is another story — while the student groups such as SWAT are relatively cheap to maintain, TV ads are always costly.

The New York Times

One of the major culprits are thought to be buy-to-let landlords who want their rental properties to have easy and cheap to maintain outside spaces.

The Guardian

Now, imagine a building that is easy to construct, cheap to maintain, and can begin generating a capital before it is dried in… What you are thinking of is Park Miami.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Or from cash-strapped councils who'd like to replace them with something cheaper to maintain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Town officials argue that a paved road is more durable and cheaper to maintain.

The New York Times

Since they have less control hardware, they are cheaper to maintain and are generally more accurate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ryanair has already signaled that it will trim costs with practices like using nonreclining seats, which are cheaper to maintain.

The New York Times

E.V.s, the talking points went, are cheaper to maintain, are "going mainstream," and are "creating good American jobs".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the long-term financial benefits of a product or service, use "cheap to maintain" to highlight its affordability beyond the initial purchase price. For example: "This solar panel system is not only environmentally friendly but also cheap to maintain, offering significant savings over time."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "cheap to maintain" solely refers to repair costs. It also encompasses routine checks, cleaning, and other forms of upkeep necessary to keep something in good working order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap to maintain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quality of being affordable to keep in good condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap to maintain" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that doesn't cost a lot to keep in good working order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile and appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using the phrase, remember that maintenance includes not just repairs but also routine upkeep. Alternatives include ""inexpensive to keep up"" or ""low maintenance cost"". Highlighting that something is "cheap to maintain" is a great way to emphasize its long-term economic value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexpensive to keep up

Replaces "cheap" with "inexpensive" and "maintain" with the phrasal verb "keep up", slightly altering the tone.

low maintenance cost

Uses a noun phrase to describe the characteristic of being cheap to maintain, focusing on the cost aspect.

economical to run

Shifts the focus to the running costs, implying that maintenance is part of the overall economic efficiency.

affordable upkeep

Highlights that the upkeep is affordable.

low operating costs

Focuses on the broader operational expenses, which include maintenance.

budget friendly maintenance

Emphasizes that the maintenance is suitable for those on a budget.

easy and cheap to service

Adds the element of ease of servicing to the affordability aspect.

minimal maintenance requirements

Focuses on the quantity of maintenance required, implying lower costs.

cost effective maintenance

Indicates that the maintenance provides good value for money.

simple and inexpensive maintenance

Highlights both the simplicity and low cost of maintenance.

FAQs

What does "cheap to maintain" mean?

The phrase "cheap to maintain" means that something doesn't require a lot of money to keep it in good condition and working order. This includes things like repairs, regular servicing, and general upkeep.

What are some synonyms for "cheap to maintain"?

Alternatives to "cheap to maintain" include "inexpensive to keep up", "low maintenance cost", or "economical to run". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "cheap to maintain" to describe various items or systems. For example, "LED lighting is cheap to maintain compared to traditional incandescent bulbs" or "This type of flooring is not only durable but also cheap to maintain".

Is there a difference between "cheap to maintain" and "cheaper to maintain"?

"Cheap to maintain" generally refers to something that has inherently low maintenance costs. "Cheaper to maintain" implies a comparison, suggesting it is less expensive to maintain than something else.