substantial maintenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial maintenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant level of upkeep or care required for something, such as equipment, property, or systems. Example: "The old machinery requires substantial maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Part of the problem is that for years, many buildings have not needed substantial maintenance increases.

The New York Times

Houses like this eat up huge quantities of cash and need substantial maintenance that normal homes won't need.

The Guardian - Arts

They are therefore difficult to install and subject to such constant chafing and movement as to require substantial maintenance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the board has to refinance, Ms. Shapiro said, "that could result in a substantial maintenance increase and put a crimp in a retiree's budget".

The New York Times

The co-op's unusual financing structure initially featured low selling prices, although buyers took on substantial maintenance fees to cover a high buildingwide mortgage structure.

The New York Times

For large and complex workflows, this substantial maintenance overhead hinders agile workflow development.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These projects are on course to cost up to £9bn because they include substantial private maintenance contracts lasting for up to 30 years.

The Guardian

There is a substantial battery-maintenance service after 100,000 miles that costs $3,000.

The New York Times

Sabre said the Himalayas would provide substantial savings in maintenance and software development costs and a simpler path for expected expansion.

The New York Times

His defence: He has rented the studio flat close to Westminster for 20 years and before the claim had submitted "no substantial claims for maintenance".

The Guardian

Within this there should be a substantial shift from maintenance grant to loans, so that there is also a saving in public spending".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial maintenance", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise adjective (e.g., "extensive", "intensive") would better convey the scope and nature of the required upkeep.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial maintenance" as a generic term. Instead, specify the types of maintenance involved (e.g., "substantial structural and electrical maintenance") to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial maintenance" functions as a noun phrase where "substantial" modifies the noun "maintenance". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. It describes the extent or degree of the maintenance required.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial maintenance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant level of upkeep or care. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Its usage is more common in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. Alternatives like "considerable upkeep" or "significant maintenance" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to specify the type of maintenance to avoid vagueness. While not as frequent as other common phrases, "substantial maintenance" effectively communicates the need for significant effort in maintaining something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable upkeep

Replaces "substantial" with "considerable", focusing on the amount of care required.

significant upkeep

Similar to "considerable upkeep", emphasizing the importance of the maintenance.

major maintenance

Highlights the scale or importance of the maintenance activities.

extensive maintenance

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the maintenance efforts.

intensive maintenance

Suggests a high level of effort and frequency in the maintenance.

heavy maintenance

Implies a significant burden or cost associated with the maintenance.

comprehensive maintenance

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the maintenance procedures.

large-scale maintenance

Highlights the size and scope of the maintenance project.

notable maintenance

Emphasizes the visibility or remarkability of the maintenance work.

considerable repair work

Shifts the focus slightly to the repair aspect of maintenance, implying significant work is needed.

FAQs

What does "substantial maintenance" mean?

The term "substantial maintenance" refers to a significant level of upkeep, repair, or care required to keep something in good working order. It implies that the maintenance is more than routine and involves considerable effort or resources.

What are some alternatives to using "substantial maintenance" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "considerable upkeep", "significant upkeep", or "major maintenance". These phrases convey a similar meaning while offering variety in your word choice.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "substantial maintenance"?

The phrase "substantial maintenance" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that the required maintenance is not minor or routine, but rather involves a significant amount of work, resources, or cost. It's suitable for describing the upkeep of buildings, equipment, systems, or any other asset that requires significant attention.

How does "substantial maintenance" differ from "routine maintenance"?

"Substantial maintenance" indicates a significant level of upkeep beyond regular or scheduled tasks. Unlike routine procedures, "substantial maintenance" often involves more complex repairs, overhauls, or replacements, addressing more significant issues to ensure continued functionality and prevent further deterioration.