a major cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant expenses or financial implications in various contexts, such as business, budgeting, or project management. Example: "Implementing the new software will incur a major cost that we need to account for in our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Fewer buses mean fewer bus drivers, a major cost savings.

The New York Times

But malpractice claims are probably not a major cost driver.

The New York Times

"This is a major cost, especially for small, local companies.

The New York Times

Transfer fees are a major cost of business in soccer, the sport most applicable to hockey.

The New York Times - Sports

"Companies are constantly looking to save costs, and tax is a major cost".

The New York Times

However, Trump's rise has come at a major cost, both to his portfolio and the GOP.

The Guardian

According to Gaul, employee wages represent a major cost for a discount-store company like Variety.

The New Yorker

Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota said Democrats were looking for ways to limit the subsidies, a major cost.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dell continued a major cost-cutting effort to rid its manufacturing process of inefficiencies.

The New York Times

The FA has also put into effect a major cost-saving exercise including a pay freeze.

Independent

A major cost-cutting drive in 1993 forced the end of R&D as a standalone department.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major cost", ensure that you quantify or qualify the cost to provide context. For instance, specify what makes it major or how it impacts the overall budget or project.

Common error

Avoid using "a major cost" when the expense is relatively minor. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility when discussing genuinely substantial costs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and highlight a significant expense or financial burden within a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major cost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that highlights significant financial burdens across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in science and news/media publications. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to illustrate the scope and impact of the cost. While interchangeable alternatives exist, "a major cost" is a direct and effective way to communicate substantial expenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant expense

Emphasizes the importance and size of the expense.

a substantial outlay

Highlights the amount of money spent.

a considerable expenditure

Focuses on the act of spending and the amount involved.

a hefty price tag

Conveys the high cost in a more informal way.

a large financial burden

Stresses the negative impact of the cost.

a primary driver of expenses

Indicates the cost is a main reason for the overall expenses.

a critical pricing factor

Highlights the importance of the cost in setting prices.

a steep economic consequence

Focuses on the negative impact on the economy due to this cost.

a prominent fiscal implication

Highlights the fiscal relevance of the cost.

a notable monetary commitment

Emphasizes the financial obligation involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major cost" when referring to a significant expense, for example: "Employee salaries are "a major cost" for the company".

What are some alternatives to "a major cost"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant expense", "a substantial outlay", or "a considerable expenditure" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a major cost factor"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "a major cost factor" can be redundant. "A major cost" already implies it is a significant element influencing expenses. Consider using just ""a major cost"" for brevity.

Which is correct, "major cost" or "major expense"?

Both "major cost" and "major expense" are correct and often interchangeable. "Cost" generally refers to the amount required to obtain something, while "expense" refers to the action of spending or using resources. The choice depends on the specific context.