needs maintenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs maintenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires repair, upkeep, or attention to function properly. Example: "The old elevator in the building needs maintenance to ensure it operates safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Existing infrastructure needs maintenance and renewal, not expansion.

The New York Times

"When a relationship needs maintenance, it would be great if you could just call a super".

The New Yorker

I own my flat but I already struggle when anything breaks or needs maintenance.

The Guardian - Money

Nurek, which provides 70% of the country's electricity, desperately needs maintenance.

The Economist

"And it's mainly built of brick, which means it hardly needs maintenance," she added.

The New York Times

"It needs maintenance on an ongoing basis and we pretty much have been keeping up with it," he said of the Capitol.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

A crucial question is how well it performs in the field, where tropical temperatures and lack of electricity and Internet access--which the machine needs to signal that it needs maintenance--could pose problems.

Science Magazine

Even the best techniques need maintenance.

The New York Times

"Digital cameras, cellphones, P.D.A.'s, MP3 players all need maintenance".

The New York Times - Tech

Baghdad said then that its aircraft needed maintenance.

The New York Times

He added: "Those legs need maintenance and adjustment on a monthly basis".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs maintenance", ensure the subject requiring maintenance is clearly identified. This avoids ambiguity and provides context for the statement.

Common error

While "needs maintenance" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly informal conversations. Opt for more casual alternatives like "needs a fix" or "needs some work" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs maintenance" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating a requirement for upkeep or repair. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, signaling that something requires attention to maintain its proper function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs maintenance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression indicating that something requires attention, repair, or upkeep to function properly. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "requires upkeep" or "is in need of repair", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "needs maintenance", be sure to clearly identify the subject requiring attention to avoid ambiguity. In summary, it's a reliable and effective way to communicate a need for maintenance across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires upkeep

Replaces "needs" with "requires" and "maintenance" with the synonym "upkeep", suggesting a demand for ongoing care.

demands servicing

Substitutes "needs" with "demands" and "maintenance" with "servicing", implying a more urgent or critical requirement.

is in need of repair

Rephrases the expression to emphasize the state of disrepair, using a more descriptive and slightly lengthier form.

necessitates attention

Employs "necessitates" instead of "needs" and "attention" in place of "maintenance", conveying the idea of required focus or care.

calls for remediation

Utilizes "calls for" and "remediation" to suggest a need for corrective action or improvement, often used in more formal contexts.

must be serviced

Changes to a passive construction, focusing on the action required rather than the need itself.

requires fixing

Replaces "maintenance" with "fixing", indicating a more specific focus on repair rather than general upkeep.

is falling apart

Expresses the need for maintenance through a description of the object's condition.

has to be maintained

Changes the structure to a passive voice using "has to be", emphasizing obligation.

demands attention

Substitutes "needs" with "demands", signifying urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "needs maintenance" in a sentence?

You can use "needs maintenance" to indicate that something requires repair, upkeep, or attention to function correctly. For example, "The old bridge "needs maintenance" to ensure public safety."

What can I say instead of "needs maintenance"?

You can use alternatives like "requires upkeep", "demands servicing", or "is in need of repair" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "needs maintenance"?

The phrase "needs maintenance" is appropriate in various contexts, including formal reports, technical manuals, and general conversations, where you want to convey that something requires attention to keep it in good working order. It is applicable to objects, systems, or even abstract concepts.

Which is correct, "needs maintenance" or "needs to be maintained"?

Both "needs maintenance" and "needs to be maintained" are grammatically correct, but "needs maintenance" is more concise and often preferred. "Needs to be maintained" is a passive construction that can be used for emphasis or when the actor performing the maintenance is unknown or unimportant.