a high cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expense or price associated with something, often implying that it is significant or burdensome. Example: "The new software implementation comes with a high cost that we need to consider in our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But sophistication came at a high cost.

The Economist

A high cost for a small pleasure.

The Economist

Will it be a high cost?

The New Yorker

We paid a high cost for that".

The New Yorker

But it carried a high cost.

The New York Times

These actions often come at a high cost, however.

Columbia University

The greater Boston area has a high cost of living.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Allowing this litigation comes at a high cost to society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Read: I live in a high-cost area.

The Washington Post

A high-cost airline can have very low fares.

BBC

Now it's cost: Britain is a high-cost manufacturing site.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a high cost", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific expense or consequence you are referring to. Providing concrete details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a high cost" as a standalone statement without specifying what constitutes the cost. For example, instead of saying "This decision comes with a high cost", specify whether it's a financial, environmental, or social cost to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high cost" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its common usage, especially when expressing the financial implications or negative consequences associated with a particular action, decision, or item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a high cost" is a versatile expression used to denote a significant expense, sacrifice, or negative consequence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, from News & Media to Academia. Its function is to communicate the importance of considering the implications of actions and decisions. While "a high cost" maintains a neutral to formal register, its usage can be made more impactful by specifying the nature of the cost, whether financial, environmental, or social. Alternatives like "a substantial cost" or "a significant price" can provide nuanced emphasis depending on the context. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "a high cost" to convey their message with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial cost

Replaces "high" with "substantial", emphasizing the considerable amount of the cost.

a considerable expense

Substitutes "cost" with "expense", highlighting the financial aspect and using "considerable" to denote significance.

a significant price

Uses "price" instead of "cost" and "significant" instead of "high", focusing on the value exchanged and its importance.

a hefty price tag

Employs a more informal and descriptive term, indicating a large and possibly undesirable cost.

a steep price

Replaces "high" with "steep", suggesting that the cost is excessively high and potentially difficult to manage.

a large expenditure

Focuses on the spending aspect, using "large" to denote the magnitude of the financial outlay.

a heavy toll

Shifts the focus from financial cost to a broader negative impact, such as on health or well-being.

a major investment

Highlights the aspect of putting resources into something, with "major" indicating a substantial amount.

a severe consequence

Moves away from financial cost to emphasize the negative outcome or repercussions of an action.

a significant drawback

Focuses on the negative aspect or disadvantage associated with something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something has "a high cost"?

When something has "a high cost", it means that it requires a significant amount of resources, usually money, effort, or other valuable assets. It can also refer to negative consequences or drawbacks associated with a particular action or choice.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a high cost"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial cost", "a considerable expense", or "a significant price" to convey a similar meaning. The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "high cost" or "expensive"?

Both "high cost" and "expensive" can be used to describe something that requires significant resources. "High cost" is often used in more formal contexts, while "expensive" is more common in everyday conversation. The choice depends on the tone and formality of your writing or speech.

What's the difference between "a high cost" and "a heavy toll"?

While both phrases suggest a negative outcome, "a high cost" typically refers to financial or resource-related expenses. "A heavy toll", on the other hand, implies a more significant and often non-monetary impact, such as emotional stress, physical harm, or environmental damage.