a higher cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expenses, prices, or financial implications that are greater than a baseline or comparison point. Example: "Investing in renewable energy may come with a higher cost initially, but the long-term savings are worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This would tend to impose a higher cost on higher-wage employees, which sounds fair enough.

Los Angeles Times

A higher-spec version would provide additional drivetrain and usage innovations at a higher cost".

BBC

However the stronger seed comes at a higher cost.

The Guardian

Some services provide additional features at a higher cost.

The New York Times

We are then stuck with a higher cost base".

The Guardian - Business

This added convenience usually comes at a higher cost.

The New York Times - Tech

"Obviously we'll have a higher cost," Mr. Bozich said.

The New York Times

Moving, he wrote, may be extremely profitable, even taking a higher cost of living into account.

The New York Times

His proposals, he said, would ensure their survival but at a higher cost to the recipients.

The New York Times

There should be a higher cost of non-compliance for polluters, he added.

The Guardian

But the extra security tends to come at a higher cost.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, clearly state what the ""higher cost"" is relative to. For example, specify "a higher cost compared to conventional methods".

Common error

Avoid vaguely stating ""a higher cost"" without explaining why the cost is higher or what benefits justify it. Provide context to help the reader understand the value proposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates an increased expense, price, or outlay compared to a baseline or alternative. The analysis from Ludwig suggests that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a higher cost" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate an increased expense or outlay. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science publications. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context, clarifying what the cost is higher compared to and justifying the increased expense. Alternatives like "a greater expense" or "a steeper price" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater expense

Replaces "cost" with "expense", emphasizing the financial burden.

a steeper price

Substitutes "cost" with "price" and "higher" with "steeper", highlighting a significant increase.

an elevated expenditure

Uses more formal vocabulary like "expenditure" and "elevated", suitable for formal contexts.

a premium charge

Emphasizes that the increased cost is for a higher quality or exclusive service.

increased overhead

Focuses on the operational costs, often used in business contexts.

a larger investment

Highlights the cost as an investment rather than a mere expense.

a substantial outlay

Uses more formal and emphatic language to indicate a significant financial commitment.

a significant premium

Highlights a considerable additional payment for superior quality or service.

a heftier financial commitment

Uses "heftier" to suggest a weightier financial obligation.

more capital intensive

Indicates that a process or project requires a greater amount of capital.

FAQs

What does "a higher cost" mean?

The phrase "a higher cost" indicates that something requires more money, resources, or effort compared to something else. It suggests an increased expense for a particular good, service, or activity.

When should I use "a higher cost" in my writing?

Use "a higher cost" when you want to communicate that an option or choice involves greater expenditure than an alternative. Make sure to provide context for the reader to understand the reason for the increased expense.

What are some alternatives to "a higher cost"?

You can use alternatives like "a greater expense", "a steeper price", or "an elevated expenditure" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a higher cost" and "a higher price"?

While similar, "cost" generally refers to the resources or effort involved, whereas "price" specifically refers to the monetary value assigned. "A higher price" might be used when discussing retail goods, while "a higher cost" could refer to the overall expense of a project.