maintain and upgrade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain and upgrade" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to keep something in good condition and improve it at the same time, often in the context of technology or equipment. Example: "To ensure optimal performance, we need to maintain and upgrade our software regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Britain relies on it to secure, maintain, and upgrade, its nuclear warheads.

The Guardian

Clearly a case was made internally to maintain and upgrade the existing MacBook Pro line.

The New York Times

The result was a failure not just to add capacity, but to maintain and upgrade capacity that already existed.

The New York Times

Half the line workers who repair, maintain and upgrade the grid at Duquesne Light, its electric utility, will be eligible to retire by the end of the decade.

The New York Times

"With a lack of scale and usage in some centres, limited standardisation and low levels of automation, the cost to establish, maintain and upgrade these systems is high.

The Guardian

"During the last few years many apartment corporations have enacted flip taxes to generate additional revenue with which to maintain and upgrade their buildings," Mr. Saft said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Sinopec already spends a fortune maintaining and upgrading its refineries.

The Economist

They've taken a variety of nice old buildings and maintained and upgraded them".

The New Yorker

But because regulation limited their profits, they had little financial incentive to invest in maintaining and upgrading the system.

The New York Times

The firm maintains and upgrades jets for the Royal Air Force and the Australian Air Force, and teaches Saudi pilots how to fly.

The Economist

Almost half of its earnings are derived from Britain, where it is also involved in maintaining and upgrading the London Underground system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain and upgrade", ensure that both actions are necessary and relevant to the subject. For example, it's more effective to "maintain and upgrade" a system that is already functional but needs improvements, rather than one that is obsolete.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain and upgrade" when only one action is truly needed. If a system is brand new, it might only need maintenance, not an upgrade. Be specific to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain and upgrade" functions as a compound verb phrase. As stated in Ludwig, it describes the combined actions of keeping something in good working order and improving it. This construction is common when discussing systems, equipment, or infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain and upgrade" is a commonly used compound verb phrase that describes the dual action of preserving something's current state while also enhancing it. As Ludwig AI affirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. With examples primarily found in news media, science, and business contexts, the phrase carries a neutral register, lending itself well to discussions about systems, infrastructure, and equipment. Alternatives such as "preserve and enhance" and "sustain and improve" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Overall, "maintain and upgrade" effectively conveys a commitment to both continuity and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve and enhance

Emphasizes keeping something in its current state while also improving it.

sustain and improve

Focuses on the longevity and betterment of an existing system or object.

renovate and modernize

Implies bringing something old up to current standards through renovation and technological advancement.

service and enhance

Focuses on providing service, care and improving it.

repair and develop

Stresses repairing existing damage while also focusing on growth and advancement.

refurbish and update

Highlights making something appear newer through cosmetic and functional updates.

overhaul and advance

Implies a complete renovation and significant forward progress.

care for and refine

Focuses on continued care with the goal of improving details.

keep up and enhance

Emphasizes continuous effort to maintain standards while simultaneously improving aspects.

fix and enrich

Focuses on solving problems and making something more meaningful and abundant.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain and upgrade" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain and upgrade" to describe the process of keeping something in good condition while also improving it, as in: "The city plans to allocate funds to maintain and upgrade its public transportation system."

What is a good alternative to "maintain and upgrade"?

Alternatives include phrases like "preserve and enhance", "sustain and improve", or "renovate and modernize", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "maintain and upgrade"?

While both words imply improvement, "maintain" focuses on keeping something functional, while "upgrade" focuses on enhancing its capabilities. Using both together emphasizes a comprehensive approach to both preservation and enhancement.

What types of systems typically require that we "maintain and upgrade" them?

Systems that benefit from being "maintain and upgrade" include software, infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. Regular "maintenance and upgrades" ensure optimal performance and longevity.