At all costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At all costs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of doing something regardless of the difficulties or sacrifices involved. Example: "We must win this competition at all costs, even if it means working late into the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Avoid fast food at ALL costs.

WikiHow

"At all costs, protect it.

The New York Times - Sports

At all costs.

The New York Times

At all costs, basically.

Huffington Post

At all costs, avoid violence.

WikiHow

Win at all costs.

The Economist

Hide it at all costs.

Independent

Shun at all costs.

The New York Times

Club tradition must remain at all costs.

Independent

Economic growth at all costs.

Forbes

I avoid breakfast at all costs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at all costs" to emphasize the critical importance of an objective, but be mindful of the potential ethical implications of pursuing something without considering the consequences.

Common error

While "at all costs" can be effective, avoid using it too frequently, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for it only when something is truly crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At all costs" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to emphasize the critical importance or necessity of an action or outcome. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it highlights that something must be done regardless of difficulty or sacrifice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

41%

Reference

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "At all costs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize the critical importance of an action or objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for written English and commonly found in news, media, and general content. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid sounding overly dramatic. When a less intense expression is more fitting, alternatives like "by any means necessary" or "whatever it takes" could be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By any means necessary

Emphasizes a willingness to use any method to achieve a goal, potentially including those that are typically unacceptable.

Whatever it takes

Indicates a strong commitment and readiness to overcome obstacles.

No matter what

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

Come what may

Suggests accepting whatever consequences arise from pursuing a goal.

Regardless of the consequences

Specifically highlights the potential for negative outcomes.

At any price

Focuses specifically on the cost or sacrifice involved.

No matter the sacrifice

Highlights the element of personal cost or loss.

Under all circumstances

Stresses the consistency of the commitment in every situation.

At all hazards

Highlights the potential dangers and risks involved.

Without fail

Emphasizes the certainty and reliability of achieving the objective.

FAQs

How can I use "at all costs" in a sentence?

Use "at all costs" to emphasize the importance of achieving something, such as, "We must protect our environment "at all costs"."

What are some alternatives to "at all costs"?

You can use alternatives like "by any means necessary", "no matter what", or "whatever it takes" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "at all costs" in formal writing?

Yes, it's appropriate, especially when conveying a serious commitment. However, consider the tone and audience, as it can sound dramatic. In some cases, a more neutral phrase might be preferable.

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "at all costs"?

Avoid using "at all costs" when the objective is not truly essential or when the potential negative consequences outweigh the benefits. Overusing it diminishes its impact.