a substantial cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a substantial cost' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an expensive or expensive-looking cost. For example, "This new technology comes with a substantial cost, but its features are worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bill carries a substantial cost.

The Washington Post

But converting a vehicle for dual fuel adds a substantial cost even when it is suitable.

The Guardian

Political homogeneity, he went on, comes at "a substantial cost" to research quality.

The New Yorker

These theoretically non-binding but practically highly reassuring letters come at a substantial cost -- delay.

Cornell University

This is because there is a substantial cost in bringing in a new tenant.

The New York Times

Even so, there is a substantial cost in holding so much money aside.

Harvard Business Review

EADS warned that the A380 program would remain a substantial cost burden in 2010.

The New York Times

(Hybrids like the Prius do that, but at a substantial cost premium).

The New York Times

Even if we could identify them, there are too few to make a substantial cost difference.

The New York Times

Second, they said, it would have a substantial cost, nearly $120 billion in one year.

The New York Times

The process must be repeated every three or four years at a substantial cost, again to taxpayers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets or financial implications, use "a substantial cost" to clearly indicate a significant financial burden or investment.

Common error

Avoid using weaker terms like "some cost" when "a substantial cost" more accurately reflects the significant financial impact. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "substantial" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "cost". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used correctly in written English. It denotes a significant expense, as highlighted in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial cost" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a significant financial burden. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, academia, and business. It serves to emphasize the magnitude of expenses and is often used to highlight financial implications. Given its frequency and clarity, using "a substantial cost" is an effective way to communicate significant financial considerations. While alternatives like ""a large cost"" or ""a considerable expense"" exist, this phrase remains a solid choice for impactful and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large cost

Emphasizes the magnitude of the cost.

a considerable expense

Highlights the financial aspect and significance of the expenditure.

a significant outlay

Focuses on the amount of money being spent.

a hefty price

Suggests a high price tag or financial burden.

a major investment

Implies that the cost is associated with a valuable asset or opportunity.

a steep toll

Highlights the negative consequences or burdens associated with the cost.

a heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty associated with bearing the cost.

a premium price

Suggests a high cost due to superior quality or exclusivity.

a remarkable cost

Highlights the cost's unusual or noteworthy aspect.

a notable expense

Focuses on how worthy of attention the cost is.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial cost" to emphasize that something is expensive or requires a significant financial investment. For example, "The project incurred "a substantial cost" due to unforeseen delays."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a large cost", "a considerable expense", or "a significant outlay" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it better to say "substantial cost" or "considerable cost"?

Both "substantial cost" and "considerable cost" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference, though "substantial" may imply a slightly larger amount.

What does it mean when something has "a substantial cost"?

It means that something requires a significant amount of money, effort, or resources, making it an important factor to consider in decision-making.