a cheap supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cheap supply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a low-cost source of goods or materials. Example: "The company was able to increase its profit margins by sourcing a cheap supply of raw materials from overseas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Luckily a cheap supply of tree protector grills has come to the rescue.

The Guardian - Arts

Budge believes that a cheap supply of the gas could be funnelled into tankers.

The Guardian - Tech

The orphans were a cheap supply; they were paid a few cents a week.

The New York Times

Farmer discontent had been growing since at least 2006, when Néstor Kirchner, her husband and predecessor as president, limited beef exports to ensure a cheap supply at home.

The New York Times

Pollan said he believes the magnitude is large and that a cheap supply of commodities has driven food manufacturers to create calorie-dense, nutrient-challenged processed foods, given that cornmeal and whole-wheat flour aren't bestsellers.

The Washington Post

Along the way he bought an interest in a local concrete company to insure a cheap supply.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Germany's "green dot" scheme, which requires the recycling of waste packaging, has benefited the German paper industry (by providing a large, cheap supply of recycled pulp) at the expense of Scandinavian producers of virgin pulp.

Harvard Business Review

And China is developing a massive, cheap supply of white-collar workers.

Forbes

And the biggest change is that China is developing a massive, cheap supply of white-collar workers, not just its well-known army of inexpensive factory workers.

Forbes

Growing competition on the world market for basic foods produced by agricultural surpluses (often subsidized) in the industrialized world has led to a relatively cheap supply of food globally, particularly since the 1970s.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Packing thousands of hens into close quarters results in a large and cheap supply, but also a host of environmental concerns, from climate-change inducing emissions and water contamination.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing commodities or resources, specify what makes the "cheap supply" beneficial. For example, is it readily available, of acceptable quality, or ethically sourced despite its low cost?

Common error

Avoid implying that "cheap" automatically means advantageous without considering potential trade-offs like quality, sustainability, or ethical concerns. Always provide context to justify the use of the term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cheap supply" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "cheap" modifies the noun "supply". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, denoting something affordable or low-cost.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cheap supply" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a low-cost source of resources. Ludwig AI validates its usability. While its frequency is uncommon, the contexts are wide-ranging, primarily appearing in news, science, and wiki sources. When using the phrase, consider that cheapness doesn't always equate to high quality or ethical sourcing. Alternatives like "an affordable source" or "a low-cost source" can provide similar meaning while adjusting the nuance. Therefore, understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low-cost source

Directly focuses on the minimal expense involved.

an affordable source

Emphasizes affordability over just low cost.

an inexpensive resource

Highlights the reduced cost of the resource.

an economical provision

Stresses economic efficiency and management.

a budget-friendly stock

Suitable for contexts where budget is a primary concern.

a cut-price provision

Indicates a price that has been reduced or discounted.

a thrifty reserve

Emphasizes savings and careful use of resources.

a bargain stock

Suggests the supply is obtained at a very favorable price.

a value-priced inventory

Focuses on the value obtained for the price paid.

a discounted reserve

Highlights the discounted price of the reserve.

FAQs

How can I use "a cheap supply" in a sentence?

You can use "a cheap supply" to describe a resource or commodity that is available at a low cost. For example, "The factory benefited from "a cheap supply" of raw materials."

What are some alternatives to saying "a cheap supply"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an affordable source", "a low-cost source", or "an inexpensive resource" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to have "a cheap supply"?

Not necessarily. While "a cheap supply" can reduce costs, it might also imply lower quality, unsustainable practices, or ethical concerns. Always consider the broader context.

What's the difference between "a cheap supply" and "a readily available supply"?

"A cheap supply" refers to the low cost of the resource, while "a readily available supply" focuses on its easy accessibility, regardless of price. They are distinct but can sometimes overlap.