a high cost for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high cost for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expense or sacrifice associated with a particular action, decision, or item. Example: "Investing in renewable energy comes with a high cost for initial setup, but the long-term benefits are worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A high cost for a small pleasure.

The Economist

We paid a high cost for that".

The New Yorker

This came at a high cost for Iraqi society.

Independent

Professor Nye calls for creating "a high cost" for an attacker, perhaps by naming and shaming.

The New York Times

But these countries' enormous wealth, thanks to the oil and gas industry, comes at a high cost for children.

The Guardian

"But it all comes at a high cost for the families, and I wonder if they really think about the costs to us.

The New York Times

They came to exploit the natural wealth and to transfer it to Europe, with a high cost for the native population.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That means a higher cost for holding inventory than usual, but interest rates are relatively low, and he would rather have the goods in hand, he said.

The New York Times

Private entrepreneurs have long complained about the way state banks discriminate against them, forcing them to turn to loan sharks and pay a higher cost for capital.

The New York Times

This fact introduces a higher cost for those who seek to monitor the hash tag, as they have to wade through lots of irrelevant content.

TechCrunch

Moreover, these locations usually imply a higher cost for transportation and result in greater travel distances and limited options concerning transport modes.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a high cost for" to underscore the gravity of a decision or action. It's effective in highlighting the potential negative impacts that should be considered.

Common error

Avoid using "a high cost for" when the consequences are minor or insignificant. This can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility. Reserve it for situations where the stakes are genuinely substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high cost for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. Ludwig AI data shows it is used to denote a significant negative consequence, sacrifice, or expense associated with something. It commonly introduces the entity or aspect that bears this cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a high cost for" is widely used across diverse contexts to convey the idea of significant sacrifices, expenses, or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage in news, scientific literature, and general discussions. While versatile, remember to employ it judiciously, reserving its use for situations involving considerable implications. Alternatives like "a substantial price to pay for" and "a heavy toll on" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial price to pay for

This alternative emphasizes the considerable amount or sacrifice involved.

a heavy toll on

Suggests a detrimental effect or impact.

a significant downside to

Focuses on the negative aspects or disadvantages.

a considerable expense related to

Highlights the financial aspect and its magnitude.

serious repercussions as a result of

Emphasizes the severe consequences following an action or event.

major sacrifices are needed for

Focuses on the act of sacrificing something valuable.

a steep penalty associated with

Highlights the punitive aspect of the cost.

detrimental consequences impacting

This emphasizes the damaging consequences of an action.

a difficult trade-off for

Highlights the fact that something is being given up in exchange.

not without significant sacrifice to

Focuses on the significant loss or compromise involved.

FAQs

What does "a high cost for" typically imply?

The phrase "a high cost for" typically implies that achieving something requires significant sacrifices, expenses, or negative consequences. It suggests the benefits are offset by considerable drawbacks.

How can I use "a high cost for" in a sentence?

You can use "a high cost for" to describe the negative impact of a decision or action. For example: "Ignoring safety regulations carries "a high cost for" workers and the company's reputation."

What are some alternatives to "a high cost for"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial price to pay for", "a significant downside to", or "a heavy toll on" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a high cost for" and "expensive for"?

While both relate to cost, "a high cost for" implies broader consequences beyond monetary value, like sacrifices or negative impacts. "Expensive for" simply indicates a high monetary price.