a hefty cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial expense associated with something. Example: "Investing in renewable energy may come with a hefty cost, but the long-term benefits are worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In fact, that is exactly what is happening, and at a hefty cost to the developer.

The New York Times

This is more than can be said for Barack Obama's plan, which would expand coverage, but at a hefty cost.

The Economist

For Willian Barboza, it was speeding in the Village of Liberty in upstate New York that carried a hefty cost.

The New York Times

FIXED-INCOME investors are starting to find that the relative safety of Treasury bonds is coming at a hefty cost.

The New York Times

One result is that companies will continue to need outside legal counsel to help navigate in this area – at a hefty cost.

The New York Times

But this has not come without a hefty cost to egg producers, some of whom have been pushed out of business.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A hefty cost-cutting plan that includes massive layoffs may look pretty on the balance sheet, but it's going to come back to bite businesses tenfold.

Forbes

According to the Washington Post, the remote-controlled robotic animals look surprisingly real and come with a hefty price tag, costing up to $5,000 for a black bear decoy.

Huffington Post

Those which drop in value quickly will cost you a hefty price.

WikiHow

Education can come with a hefty price tag but the cost of not pursuing it can be heavier.

Huffington Post

But with a hefty price tag--start-up costs alone could run $270 million--the proposalikelyikely to encounter rough seas.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hefty cost" when you want to emphasize that something is surprisingly or unpleasantly expensive. This phrase carries a slightly negative connotation.

Common error

While "a hefty cost" is acceptable, avoid using "hefty" repeatedly in formal documents. Opt for more precise synonyms like "substantial", "significant", or "considerable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty cost" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hefty" modifies the noun "cost". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the significant expense associated with something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty cost" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant expense. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, consider using synonyms like "substantial expense" or "significant price" in more formal writing to avoid repetition. Be mindful of the slightly negative connotation when employing this phrase, as it often suggests the expense is unwelcome or surprisingly high.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial expense

Replaces "hefty" with "substantial", emphasizing the considerable amount of money involved.

a significant price

Substitutes "hefty cost" with "significant price", highlighting the value or sacrifice required.

a considerable outlay

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal term indicating a large amount of money spent.

a steep price to pay

Adds a figurative element, suggesting the cost is high and potentially undesirable.

a large investment

Focuses on the financial aspect, presenting the cost as a resource allocation for future benefit.

a significant burden

Shifts the focus to the negative impact of the cost, emphasizing the hardship it creates.

a major sacrifice

Highlights the element of giving up something valuable in order to cover the cost.

an exorbitant fee

Replaces the phrase with one suggesting the cost is excessively high and potentially unfair.

a premium price

Emphasizes that the high cost is associated with higher quality or exclusivity.

a punitive charge

Suggests the cost is intended as a punishment or deterrent.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hefty cost" to describe something that is surprisingly or significantly expensive. For example: "The renovations came at "a hefty cost", but they significantly increased the property value."

What are some alternatives to "a hefty cost"?

Alternatives include "a substantial expense", "a significant price", or "a considerable outlay". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to say something has "a hefty cost"?

While "a hefty cost" often carries a negative connotation, it can sometimes be neutral, simply emphasizing the magnitude of the expense. The context usually determines the overall tone.

What's the difference between "a hefty cost" and "a high price"?

"A high price" is a general term for something expensive. "A hefty cost" implies that the expense is surprisingly large or more than expected, and often carries a slightly negative connotation.