a cost of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cost of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expense or price associated with a particular action, decision, or item. Example: "The project was delayed, and the cost of the additional resources was significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A cost of £19bn pa.

Independent

This is a cost of democracy.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a cost of business.

Independent

Q: What is a Cost of Attendance?

University of California, Berkeley

It comes at a cost, of course.

The Guardian - Travel

Not even a cost of living.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This isn't a cost-of-living increase.

The New York Times

This includes tuition, fees, and a cost-of living stipend.

Harvard University

Loan fees are a cost-of-capital issue.

The New York Times

A cost-of-living adjustment is one way.

The New York Times

Consider, also, paying extra for a cost-of-living rider.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial implications, use "a cost of" to clearly state the expenditure associated with a decision, project, or activity. It provides clarity and directness in financial reporting or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a cost of" interchangeably with "a value of". "A cost of" refers to an expenditure, while "a value of" denotes worth or benefit. Using them incorrectly can misrepresent the financial aspects of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cost of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically followed by a numerical value or description of resources expended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to specify the financial implications of an action or item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cost of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for quantifying expenses or financial implications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia and Business, indicating its versatility. When writing, ensure you're using it accurately to denote expenditure rather than value. Alternative phrases like "an expense of" or "a price of" can be used for variety. Using "a cost of" provides clarity in financial reporting, making it a valuable tool in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expense of

Replaces "cost" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the financial outlay.

a price of

Similar to "expense", but can also refer to non-monetary costs.

a charge of

Implies a specific amount levied for a service or product.

an investment of

Suggests a cost incurred with the expectation of future benefits.

a value of

Focuses on the worth or estimated price.

an outlay of

Emphasizes the expenditure of money or resources.

a fee of

Specifically refers to a payment for professional services.

a sum of

Highlights the total amount of money involved.

a rate of

Indicates a proportional cost, often per unit or time.

a consequence of

Shifts the focus to non-monetary costs or repercussions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cost of" to specify the amount spent on something, as in "The renovation was completed at "a cost of" $50,000".

What are some alternatives to "a cost of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an expense of", "a price of", or "an investment of" instead of "a cost of".

Is it correct to say "the cost is of $100"?

No, the correct phrasing is "the cost is $100" or "the project has "a cost of" $100".

What is the difference between "a cost of" and "a price of"?

"A cost of" generally refers to the resources expended to achieve something, while "a price of" is usually the amount asked in exchange for something. While similar, "cost" often implies effort and resources, whereas "price" is more directly about monetary exchange.