a rational cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rational cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expenses or pricing that are reasonable or justifiable based on the context or situation. Example: "The project was completed within a rational cost, ensuring that we stayed within our budget while maintaining quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, there are additional factors to consider when buying outdoor ads — a rational cost, how they complement the overall mix of a company's marketing campaigns and channels, the lifetime value of a customer and more.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can he and will he make a rational cost-benefit analysis on continued support for Somali extremists?

The Guardian

An optimist might hope that my doctor, or someone higher up in the health care hierarchy, made a rational cost-benefit calculation on society's behalf.

The New York Times - Health

Similarly, a rational cost-benefit analyst lures single women to big cities like New York, where prospects of finding a mate with a big income are greater than in small towns.

The New York Times - Books

Re "A Conversation With David Ropeik," Dec. 3: Mr. Ropeik describes the work of the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis as a "rational, cost-benefit" approach to environmental and health policy making.

The New York Times - Science

6, 19 Integrated Vector Management IVMM) is the strategic approach promoted to countries by the WHO as a rational, cost-effective, and optimal decision-making process for vector control programs.

Clinical Epidemiology

"The hotel industry has less debt and a more rational cost structure than the airlines.

Forbes

And by the time it's finished, the station could be useless, outdated-a space-age white elephant by any rational cost-benefit analysis.

Forbes

This paper presents a method for forecasting future uranium prices that is used as input data to calculate the uranium cost, which is a rational key cost driver of the nuclear fuel cycle cost.

Nuclear Engineering and Technology

On any rational cost-benefit analysis, the institution of tenure has led to the publication of hundreds of thousands of papers that are … read by a dozen people".

The New York Times

Persuading public officials to adopt a more rational, cost-effective approach to prison policy is a daunting prospect, however, not least because building and running jailhouses has become a major industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial decisions or budget planning, use "a rational cost" to emphasize that the expenses are justified and aligned with strategic goals.

Common error

While "a rational cost" is appropriate for formal discussions, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "reasonable price" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rational cost" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "cost". It describes the cost, indicating that it is reasonable, logical, and based on sound judgment, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rational cost" is a phrase used to describe an expense that is justifiable, logical, and well-reasoned. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, although it is more common in formal contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and business documents. While "a reasonable expense" may be a more common alternative in everyday conversation, "a rational cost" emphasizes a deliberate evaluation and alignment with strategic goals. When writing, ensure its use fits the formality of the context to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable expense

Replaces "rational" with "reasonable", suggesting a cost that is fair and justifiable.

a justifiable cost

Emphasizes that the cost can be defended or explained with good reason.

a sensible cost

Implies the cost is practical and shows good judgment.

a logical cost

Highlights that the cost makes sense based on the circumstances.

an acceptable cost

Suggests the cost is within the bounds of what is considered tolerable or satisfactory.

a cost-effective solution

Focuses on the value received for the cost incurred, implying good efficiency.

a fair price

Indicates the cost is equitable and just for both parties involved.

a well-reasoned cost

Highlights that the cost has been carefully considered and is based on sound reasoning.

a proportional cost

Emphasizes that the cost is in balance with the benefits or value received.

an economical cost

Suggests the cost is thrifty and avoids waste.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rational cost" to describe expenses that are justifiable and based on sound reasoning. For example, "The company invested in new software at "a rational cost" to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rational cost"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a reasonable expense", "a justifiable cost", or "a sensible cost" instead of "a rational cost".

Is it more appropriate to say "a rational cost" or "a reasonable cost"?

Both "a rational cost" and "a reasonable cost" are correct, but "a reasonable cost" might be more widely understood in general conversation, while "a rational cost" emphasizes a deliberate, logical justification.

What does it mean to make a "rational cost"-benefit analysis?

Making a "rational cost"-benefit analysis means carefully evaluating the expenses against the potential advantages to ensure that the investment is logically sound and justifiable. This is also referred to as simply cost-benefit analysis.