absorb the costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absorb the costs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a person or organization takes on expenses without passing them on to others. Example: "Due to the unexpected increase in production costs, the company decided to absorb the costs rather than raise prices for customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only large clinics can absorb the costs.

The Economist

"But the village can't absorb the costs".

The New York Times

The trouble is, no one wants to absorb the costs.

The New York Times

Hospitals often absorb the costs when patients have no insurance or other source of payment.

The New York Times

Governments absorb the costs directly or pass them along to oil exploration and production companies.

The New York Times

Students were outraged, so in 1996 the university decided to pretty much absorb the costs.

The New York Times

Under the plan, Visa said its member banks would absorb the costs of the settlement.

The New York Times

"Yes, obviously it's easier if they want to absorb the costs into other places.

The Guardian - Tech

Britain may be able to absorb the costs, but other countries cannot.

The Guardian

Larger organizations with more patients and bigger budgets can better absorb the costs.

The New York Times

Maybe you'll pay more and absorb the costs – or raise prices.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absorb the costs", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is taking on the expenses, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "absorb the costs" implies a permanent solution. It often indicates a temporary measure or a strategic decision not to pass costs onto others immediately, which might have long-term implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absorb the costs" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the action of taking on or managing financial expenses without passing them on to another party. Examples show usage in various contexts, such as companies, governments, or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absorb the costs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies taking on expenses without passing them on to others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts, it communicates strategic financial management or a deliberate decision to bear a financial burden. While "absorb the costs" is widely accepted, it's important to consider alternatives like "bear the expenses" or "shoulder the costs" to achieve nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear the expenses

Replaces "absorb" with "bear", emphasizing the act of carrying the financial burden.

shoulder the costs

Uses "shoulder" instead of "absorb", highlighting the responsibility of handling the expenses.

take on the costs

Emphasizes the act of accepting the financial responsibility.

cover the expenses

Focuses on the aspect of providing sufficient funds to meet the costs.

meet the expenses

Highlights the ability to pay for the expenses.

internalize the costs

Implies incorporating the costs within the existing budget or financial structure.

offset the costs

Suggests balancing the costs with other financial gains or savings.

defray the expenses

Implies providing funds to cover a portion of the costs.

finance the costs

Focuses on providing the necessary financial resources for the costs.

underwrite the costs

Suggests guaranteeing the payment of the costs, often by a third party.

FAQs

How can I use "absorb the costs" in a sentence?

You can use "absorb the costs" to describe a situation where an entity takes on expenses without passing them on to someone else. For example: "The company decided to "absorb the costs" of the new safety measures to avoid increasing prices for consumers."

What are some alternatives to "absorb the costs"?

Alternatives include "bear the expenses", "shoulder the costs", or "take on the costs". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "absorb the cost" instead of "absorb the costs"?

While "absorb the cost" is grammatically correct, "absorb the costs" is more common, especially when referring to multiple or ongoing expenses. Using "absorb the cost" implies a single, specific expense.

What's the difference between "absorb the costs" and "cover the costs"?

"Absorb the costs" implies taking on the expenses without passing them on, while "cover the costs" simply means having enough funds to pay for something. "Absorb" focuses on who bears the burden, while "cover" focuses on financial sufficiency.