Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a significant expense for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a significant expense for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing costs or financial implications related to a specific subject or entity. Example: "The new software implementation represents a significant expense for the company this quarter."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
These must be paid by the authors, a significant expense for cash-strapped university departments.
News & Media
"Energy bills are a significant expense for many families in this country and that's why it is important that we see these markets working effectively".
News & Media
And some critics have questioned whether such crowdfunding will even help entrepreneurs, because if a company raises more than $500,000 from unaccredited investors it will have to produce audited financial records — a significant expense for a young business.
News & Media
These prices are not wholly egregious for Broadway even now, over two years into its New York run, "Hamilton" tickets still change hands for between three hundred and fifty and three thousand dollars but it is, by any accounting, a significant expense for fans.
News & Media
"P.M.I. is not a significant expense for the borrower," Mr. Zigas said, "but it enables the mortgage industry to extend credit much more broadly and with interest rates that are no higher than the rates charged on conforming mortgages". He explained that since Fannie Mae's standards require a loan-to-value ratio of at least 20percentt, P.M.I. is necessary to make the loan acceptable to Fannie Mae.
News & Media
Staff salaries – Employee payroll is usually a significant expense for any business.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
It might even drive down audit costs, a significant expense especially for small and mid-sized companies.
News & Media
This represents a significant expense in monitoring for I. Flow-through collectors of I could be developed that would be easy to use in the field and eliminate much of the laboratory sample preparation.
Dr Roth calculates that a system that served ads to 138m internet surfers would cost around $600 a day a significant expense for the newspapers, NGOs and underground political movements likely to benefit from the system.
News & Media
"We're talking about a significant expense to U.S. taxpayers," said Michael Tan, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, which advocates for alternatives to detention.
News & Media
While this can be a significant expense, a qualified professional with experience of working for small businesses could save you money in the long term.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a significant expense for", quantify the expense if possible to give the reader a clearer understanding of the financial impact. For example, instead of saying, "The new equipment was a significant expense for the company", consider saying, "The new equipment, costing $50,000, was a significant expense for the company."
Common error
Avoid using "a significant expense for" without providing context. Ensure that the reader understands who or what is bearing the expense and why it is considered significant. Otherwise, the phrase may lack impact and clarity.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a significant expense for" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or part of a prepositional phrase. It indicates that something represents a notable financial cost or burden for a specified entity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through multiple examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
25%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a significant expense for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a considerable financial burden on someone or something. Ludwig AI categorizes the phrase as correct. Although the phrase has relatively low frequency, it appears in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, it is beneficial to quantify the expense and provide context to enhance clarity. Related phrases include "a major cost for" and "a considerable outlay for". Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for highlighting financial impact in various situations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a major cost for
Replaces 'expense' with 'cost', emphasizing the financial outlay.
a considerable outlay for
Uses 'outlay' to highlight the disbursement of funds involved.
a substantial financial burden on
Focuses on the financial strain or pressure imposed.
a hefty price tag for
Emphasizes the high cost or value associated with something.
an expensive undertaking for
Highlights the costly nature of a project or endeavor.
a costly venture for
Replaces 'expense' with 'venture', emphasizing the risk and investment.
a large financial commitment for
Highlights the significant financial resources dedicated.
a pricey affair for
Uses a more informal tone emphasizing high price.
a sizable investment for
Highlights resource allocation and the expectation of future returns.
a strain on resources for
Emphasizes the impact on available resources due to expenses.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "a significant expense for" to sound more formal?
For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "a considerable outlay for", "a substantial financial burden on", or "a major cost for" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.
Is it always necessary to quantify "a significant expense for"?
While not always necessary, quantifying the expense adds clarity and impact. If specific numbers are unavailable, providing a relative comparison (e.g., "a significant portion of the budget") can still enhance understanding.
What are some situations where it's appropriate to use "a significant expense for"?
This phrase is appropriate when discussing budgets, investments, or financial impacts on individuals, businesses, or organizations. It's useful when highlighting that something is costly relative to available resources or expected expenditures.
What is the difference between "a significant expense for" and "a major investment for"?
"A significant expense for" emphasizes the cost or financial burden, while "a major investment for" highlights the allocation of resources with the expectation of future returns or benefits. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the cost or the potential return.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested