a steep cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high price or significant sacrifice required for something. Example: "Investing in advanced technology can come with a steep cost, but the benefits may outweigh the expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Staying closed on Sundays can come at a steep cost.

The New York Times

For sellers, liquidity comes at a steep cost.

The New York Times

Those luxuries come at a steep cost, though.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, the attack has come at a steep cost.

The New York Times

And here, that blindness has a steep cost.

Harvard Business Review

Drugs can control HIV, but they exact a steep cost.

MIT Technology Review

Storing CO2 in the oceans comes at a steep cost: It changes the chemistry of seawater.

Yale University

Landau gives us the sublime feeling that formal accomplishment comes with a steep cost.

The New Yorker

CCS is a proven technology that could help mitigate climate change, but at a steep cost.

The Economist

The big lesson of financial crises is that too much optimism exacts a steep cost.

The New York Times

Although Mr. Stern brought listeners and prominence to Sirius, the move had a steep cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steep cost" to emphasize that the price or consequence is surprisingly high or undesirable. It adds a layer of emotional impact compared to simply stating "a high price".

Common error

Avoid using "a steep cost" when referring to minor inconveniences. It's best reserved for situations where the repercussions are genuinely significant, such as irreversible damages or major financial losses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep cost" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes something requiring a significant sacrifice, expense, or negative consequence. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep cost" is a common phrase used to describe a situation with significant negative consequences or a surprisingly high price. It functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb, and serves to emphasize the gravity of the situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is suitable for a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse contexts like news, academic writing, and business communication. When opting for alternatives, consider options such as "a high price" or "a significant expense", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a high price

Focuses on the monetary value, omitting the potential for non-monetary sacrifices.

a significant expense

Similar to "a high price", but emphasizes the financial burden.

a heavy toll

Emphasizes the negative impact or burden resulting from a particular action or situation.

a great sacrifice

Highlights the act of giving something up, which may or may not be monetary.

considerable outlay

Specifically refers to a significant expenditure of money.

substantial investment

Implies a large sum of money spent with the expectation of future returns.

major expenditure

Refers to a large amount of money spent.

significant drawback

Shifts the focus to the negative consequence rather than the expense itself.

considerable disadvantage

Focuses on the resulting disadvantage rather than the initial cost.

substantial penalty

Emphasizes a punishment or consequence for a specific action.

FAQs

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

Use "a steep cost" to describe situations where the price or consequences are high and undesirable. For example, "Ignoring safety regulations can come at "a steep cost" in terms of human lives".

What are some alternatives to "a steep cost"?

You can use alternatives like "a high price", "a heavy toll", or "a significant expense" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'at a steep price' instead of 'at a steep cost'?

While "price" and "cost" are often interchangeable, ""a steep cost"" can encompass not just monetary value but also abstract losses like time, effort, or well-being. "A steep price" typically refers to a high monetary value.

What is the difference between "a steep cost" and "a high cost"?

"A steep cost" implies that the cost is surprisingly or unexpectedly high. "A high cost" simply indicates that the cost is significant, without necessarily implying surprise.