maintenance costs

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintenance costs" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to the expenses associated with keeping something in good working condition. Example: The maintenance costs for the apartment complex have increased significantly over the past year due to the aging infrastructure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maintenance costs?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What are the maintenance costs?

The New York Times

To that savings add lower maintenance costs.

The New York Times

That reduces both capital and maintenance costs.

The Economist

Maintenance costs are not included.

Stanford University

Each transmitter requires power and maintenance costs.

The New York Times - Tech

Excessive preventive maintenance costs too much.

Harvard Business Review

Maintenance costs are not covered by insurance.

Harvard Business Review

Maintenance costs do not change when fuel prices do, either.

The New York Times

This does not include the ongoing staffing and maintenance costs.

The Guardian

Narrowing airplane variety lets American lower training and maintenance costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets, clearly differentiate between initial purchase price and ongoing "maintenance costs" to provide a complete financial picture.

Common error

Avoid categorizing significant upgrades or renovations as "maintenance costs". These should be classified as capital improvements, which have different accounting and tax implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintenance costs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the expenses associated with keeping something in good working order, whether it's equipment, property, or infrastructure. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintenance costs" is a very common noun phrase referring to the expenses associated with upkeep and repairs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing about this topic, clearly differentiate between routine maintenance and capital improvements. Consider using alternatives like "upkeep expenses" or "servicing fees" to add variety to your writing. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication about financial planning and cost analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upkeep expenses

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing nature of maintaining something, using 'upkeep' instead of 'maintenance'.

servicing fees

This alternative focuses on the charges associated with regular servicing and repairs.

repair expenditures

This alternative highlights the spending related to fixing and repairing items.

operational costs

This alternative broadens the scope to include all expenses related to running and maintaining something.

running costs

This alternative is a more concise way of referring to the ongoing expenses of operating and maintaining something.

preservation expenses

This alternative highlights the costs associated with keeping something in its current state, often used for historical or valuable items.

renovation costs

While related, this alternative refers specifically to the expenses of improving or restoring something.

management costs

This alternative encompasses the broader expenses of overseeing and maintaining a property or asset.

custodial expenses

This alternative focuses on the costs of caretaking and maintaining a property or facility.

long-term maintenance expenditure

This alternative emphasizes the costs of maintenance viewed from a long-term investment or budget perspective.

FAQs

How do I calculate "maintenance costs" for budgeting?

"Maintenance costs" can be estimated by reviewing historical expenses, manufacturer guidelines, and industry benchmarks. Include regular upkeep, repairs, and potential replacements.

What are some strategies for reducing "maintenance costs"?

Preventative maintenance, investing in durable materials, and training staff can help lower "maintenance costs" over time.

What's the difference between "maintenance costs" and operational costs?

"Maintenance costs" specifically cover upkeep and repairs, while operational costs encompass all expenses related to running a facility or business, including utilities and staffing.

Are "repair costs" and "maintenance costs" the same?

While related, "maintenance costs" are broader and include preventative measures. "Repair expenditures" are specifically for fixing damages or malfunctions.