a serious cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing significant expenses or consequences associated with a decision or action. Example: "Implementing the new software will come with a serious cost that we need to consider in our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"This industry has a serious cost deficiency issue to address.

The Guardian

Sure, they are great time savers, but at a serious cost in abstraction.

The New York Times

The change in the United States team's Ryder Cup strategy has come at a serious cost to Bubba Watson.

The Guardian - Sport

"There has been a serious cost squeeze in the industry relating to insurance and fuel," Mr Robins said.

The New York Times

Development in China has come at a serious cost to the environment and people's health, a reality people contend with daily.

Independent

Miller thinks that states are justified in rebuffing refugees only if they impose a "serious cost to social justice and cohesion".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A serious cost-reduction program would also entail thousands of redundancies; Waters and Mishkin reported that 16,000 jobs were eliminated in May 2014 and that the total number of forecast job cuts might go to 50,000 (Financial Times).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In this kind of a world, having a serious cost-cutter in the executive suite begins to make more sense, especially one who understands the arcane nuances of drug manufacturing an area long ignored and harbors some significant savings from much needed technological and management upgrades.

Forbes

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, another move risks politicizing the Fed, a very serious cost.

The Guardian - Opinion

The US air force has declared an initial squadron of F-35 fighters jets ready for combat, marking a major milestone for a program dogged by serious cost overruns and delays that have infuriated US lawmakers and governments around the world that are buying the planes.

The Guardian

This is particularly evident in continuing fee-for-service incentives and a failure to effect serious cost containment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious cost", consider whether the cost is primarily financial, emotional, or related to another domain, and adjust your language accordingly to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious cost" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big problem" or "really expensive" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious cost" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It signifies a significant detriment or consequence resulting from a particular action, decision, or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious cost" is a versatile expression used to denote significant consequences or expenses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While primarily found in news and media, it also appears in science and business contexts. When writing, consider the specific nature of the cost (financial, emotional, etc.) to provide clarity. Alternatives include "a significant expense" and "a substantial price". Remember that while acceptable and correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Be careful when conveying that some negative impact could also imply monetary expense because it can easily be confusing and should be precise by saying the actual type of cost as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant expense

Focuses specifically on the financial aspect, emphasizing a notable expenditure.

a substantial price

Highlights the considerable value or sacrifice required.

a major disadvantage

Shifts the focus to a significant drawback or negative consequence.

a considerable burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty imposed by something.

a heavy toll

Implies a severe and often damaging effect.

a steep penalty

Suggests a harsh consequence for an action or decision.

a grave consequence

Underscores the seriousness and potential danger of the outcome.

a hefty charge

Specifically refers to a large financial fee or expense.

a difficult trade-off

Highlights the challenging decision-making process involving sacrifices.

a notable downside

Points out a significant negative aspect or disadvantage.

FAQs

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

Use "a serious cost" to indicate that something has significant negative consequences or requires a considerable expense. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations can result in "a serious cost" to both the company and its employees".

What can I say instead of "a serious cost"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant expense", "a substantial price", or "a major disadvantage" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a serious cost"?

It's appropriate when discussing situations where actions or decisions lead to significant negative repercussions, whether financial, social, or environmental. It is suitable for formal writing and discussions where conveying the weight of the consequences is important.

Is there a difference between "a serious cost" and "a high cost"?

While both phrases refer to something expensive, "a serious cost" often implies broader and more severe consequences beyond just monetary value. "A high cost" primarily emphasizes the financial aspect, whereas "a serious cost" can encompass ethical, social, or environmental implications.