a vast cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that requires a significant amount of money or resources. Example: "Implementing the new system will incur a vast cost that we need to budget for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

FOR two decades, in the 1980s and 1990s, China pushed forward a series of economic reforms that came at a vast cost, exceeded only by their vaster rewards.

The Economist

Rotten government, a vast cost, resurgent Taliban and the mounting death toll all argue that this is a patch of dusty ground where the outside world has overstayed its welcome.

The Economist

At the other, an over-zealous tightening of regulation would extract a vast cost in lost opportunities for the wise use of the new techniques to make people better off.

The Economist

In the past decade Britain has waged three unprovoked wars – on Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya – at a vast cost in lives and destruction, and no obvious benefit to anyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The company is also cutting 1,300 jobs as part of a vast cost-cutting plan.

BBC

At the beginning, it was hard to persuade anyone to apply for a loan, despite the vast cost advantage over local lenders.

Huffington Post

Whereas half of traditional software projects take more than twice their allotted time or are simply cancelled, with vast cost overruns, a recent SEI study of 20 projects run on Humphrey's methods found that they all came in on time and on budget, essentially defect-free.

The Guardian - Money

When one considers the needs of humanity, compared with the vast cost of a first-world lifestyle and the comfort it provides, the precarious state of the planet is clear.

Huffington Post

Kelsey says he sees obvious lessons for modernising NHS services from other industries, such as finance and aviation, where the use of data and technology has led to a huge increase customer satisfaction and a vast cut in costs.

The Guardian

The owners have insisted that they need vast cost reductions to address a reported $300 million in annual losses.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a vast human cost to this failure to support to vulnerable mothers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast cost", consider whether the context implies primarily financial burden, or if it encompasses other types of sacrifices such as time, effort, or lives. Choose more specific vocabulary if necessary to clarify the exact nature of the cost.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast cost" in overly casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it tends to sound more formal and weighty than everyday language typically requires. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of money" or "really expensive" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing the expense associated with reforms, wars, and other significant undertakings. It emphasizes the magnitude of the expense or sacrifice.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast cost" is a noun phrase used to emphasize a significant expense or sacrifice associated with something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, consider if the context requires a more specific term for clarity or precision, especially if the cost is non-monetary. It is appropriate for serious or analytical discussions where highlighting the scale and impact is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant expense

Replaces "vast cost" with a more general term for expenditure; less emphatic.

a large expenditure

A more formal and neutral way to describe spending a significant amount of money.

a considerable outlay

Uses "outlay" to specify the spending of money; more formal.

a substantial price

Emphasizes the value paid in exchange; can refer to non-monetary costs.

a hefty price tag

Highlights the monetary cost, often used for goods or services; more informal.

a massive financial burden

Highlights the onerous nature of the cost, focusing on its impact.

a great sacrifice

Emphasizes the loss or forfeiture involved; broadens the concept beyond monetary costs.

a heavy toll

Focuses on the negative impact or burden resulting from something; often used for abstract costs.

an enormous investment

Highlights the resources committed with the expectation of future returns; emphasizes the positive aspect.

a prohibitive price

Implies the cost is so high as to prevent purchase or action.

FAQs

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

Use "a vast cost" to describe something requiring significant resources or expenditure. For example: "The war was won at "a vast cost" in human lives".

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

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

Is it better to say "at a vast cost" or "with a vast cost"?

"At a vast cost" is the more idiomatic and commonly used prepositional phrase. "With a vast cost" is less frequent and might sound awkward.

Does "a vast cost" always refer to money?

While often implying financial expense, "a vast cost" can also refer to non-monetary sacrifices such as time, effort, resources, or even lives. The specific meaning depends on the context.