What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maintenance
Example
The car needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. [maintenance: noun]
Example
He spent the weekend doing maintenance on the house, fixing leaks and replacing light bulbs. [maintenance: gerund or present participle]
upkeep
Example
The garden requires regular upkeep to keep it looking neat and tidy. [upkeep: noun]
Example
She spends a few hours each week doing the upkeep on her bike, oiling the chain and checking the brakes. [upkeep: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Maintenance is more commonly used in technical or professional contexts, while upkeep is more commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maintenance and upkeep?
Maintenance is generally considered more formal than upkeep, which has a more casual connotation.
