a big cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big cost" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a substantial financial outlay, typically for something that is important. For example, "The cost of installing central air conditioning in our home was a big cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There will be a big cost," he said.

The New York Times

But that accomplishment came at a big cost.

The New York Times

Take litigation reform, which is a big cost and competitiveness problem facing many American companies.

Princeton University

"But they've achieved a big cost reduction on the back of us".

The New York Times

And a deal with Repsol would involve a big cost in cash and in presidential pride.

The Economist

This highlights a big cost in using lawsuits to resolve such matters.

The Economist

The companies' size and strange structure carry a big cost for American finance.

The Economist

"Duke's customers had a big cost advantage for a very long time," Rowe told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you need to replace the bottom 10%, there's a big cost attached to that.

The Guardian

But in a family business, that comes with a big cost.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'It's a big cost-cutting exercise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big cost", ensure the context clearly defines what aspect (financial, social, environmental) is affected to ensure clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "big" for emphasis; consider using more descriptive adjectives like "substantial", "significant", or "considerable" to provide greater nuance and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically quantifies or characterizes the extent of an expense or sacrifice, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. It denotes something significant that must be paid or given up.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big cost" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a substantial expense or sacrifice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, but is also common in academic and scientific contexts. While "big" is a general term, consider alternatives like "significant" or "substantial" for increased precision. When using "a big cost", clarifying the specific aspect affected enhances the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial expense

Emphasizes the considerable financial outlay, focusing on expenditure.

a significant price

Highlights the high value or consequence associated with something.

a major expenditure

Stresses the large amount of money being spent.

a hefty price tag

Indicates a high monetary cost, often unexpectedly so.

a considerable outlay

Focuses on the initial investment or expenditure required.

a steep price

Implies that the cost is high and perhaps difficult to bear.

a heavy toll

Refers to the negative impact or burden resulting from an action or event.

a large investment

Highlights the magnitude of resources committed to a particular endeavor.

a severe penalty

Emphasizes the consequences or repercussions, which may not always be financial.

an exorbitant fee

Highlights an excessively high charge for a service or product.

FAQs

How can I use "a big cost" in a sentence?

You can use "a big cost" to describe something that requires a significant amount of money, effort, or resources. For example, "Implementing the new security system was "a big cost" for the company."

What are some alternatives to "a big cost"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial expense", "a significant price", or "a major expenditure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a big cost" or "a high cost"?

Both "a big cost" and "a high cost" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "A big cost" emphasizes the magnitude of the expense, while "a high cost" emphasizes the value or difficulty associated with it. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "a big cost" refer to something other than money?

Yes, "a big cost" can refer to non-monetary costs, such as time, effort, or environmental impact. For example, "The war had "a heavy toll" on the nation's morale and resources."