an ancillary cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ancillary cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a secondary or supplementary expense that is related to a primary cost or project. Example: "When budgeting for the event, we need to consider not only the venue rental but also any ancillary costs such as catering and decorations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We demonstrate that without the PEVs, wind uncertainty and variability impose an ancillary cost of about ($0.23/hbox {MWh}) of wind.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This paper presents an ancillary cost-effectiveness analysis of data from a RCT, from which the main outcomes have already been published.

Plosone

Finally, we compare four stylised low-carbon systems on a common basis (including all ancillary costs for IRES).

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The company monetizes by buying clothing at 1/3 of its anticipated selling price, and taking a cut of that margin after all ancillary costs like shipping are paid off.

TechCrunch

When things change, is it worth all ancillary costs to keep believing or better to just let go?

The New York Times - Sports

While study participants are not charged for the remedy being tested (which can costs hundreds of dollars for each treatment), they are usually responsible for all ancillary costs.

The New York Times - Health

Allscripts claimed that when all ancillary costs were included, its system would be more than $700 million cheaper to build than the $1.4 billion total cost over 15 years that the hospitals corporation has estimated it will take to build the Epic system.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, IRT alone is insufficient for a complete landslide characterization; in order to obtain a more accurate interpretation of the results IRT could be more profitably used as an ancillary low cost technique through the integration with other ground based remote sensing techniques, such as TLS and GB-InSAR.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Retrospective ancillary cost analysis of data extracted from a recently published multicentre case control-study (n = 42) on the use of arterio-venous Ecase control-study in patients with acute on chronic ventilatory failure.

BMC Anesthesiology

They can, however, have ancillary cost impacts on other generators.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

However, if PEV charging can be fully controlled, the ancillary cost of wind uncertainty and variability is reduced to ($0.09/hbox {MWh}).

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In budget reports and financial analyses, ensure that all "ancillary costs" are itemized separately to provide a transparent breakdown of expenses.

Common error

Avoid using "an ancillary cost" as a euphemism for hidden or unexpected fees. Be upfront and transparent about all costs, clearly labeling what might be considered supplementary expenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ancillary cost" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and labels a secondary or supplementary expense linked to a primary cost, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ancillary cost" refers to a supplementary expense linked to a primary activity or purchase. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears mostly in science, news, and formal business contexts. Related terms include "additional expense" and "supplementary charge". When using the phrase, it's best practice to clearly define the primary cost it relates to. Common errors involve misrepresenting it as a hidden fee. While not frequently used, the phrase is appropriate for formal communication when discussing financial details. As such, the usage of "an ancillary cost" is a powerful one if done correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional expense

Replaces 'cost' with 'expense' and 'ancillary' with 'additional', focusing on the supplementary nature of the charge.

a supplementary charge

Uses 'supplementary' instead of 'ancillary' and 'charge' instead of 'cost', highlighting the extra fee involved.

an associated fee

Focuses on the connection between the cost and a primary service or product, using 'associated' to imply a relationship.

an extra outlay

Emphasizes the expenditure aspect, with 'outlay' suggesting a disbursement of funds.

a related expenditure

Highlights the link between the cost and another item or service, using 'related' to signify the connection.

an indirect cost

Indicates that the cost isn't directly attributed but stems from the main activity, using 'indirect' to show derivation.

a secondary expense

Uses 'secondary' instead of 'ancillary', underscoring the subordinate or supporting nature of the cost.

a collateral cost

Emphasizes the side effect or consequence of an action, with 'collateral' suggesting a related but not primary impact.

an incidental charge

Focuses on the unplanned or occasional nature of the cost, with 'incidental' implying it's not always present.

a consequential expense

Highlights that the expense is a result or outcome of something else, using 'consequential' to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "an ancillary cost" in a sentence?

You can use "an ancillary cost" to refer to supplementary expenses related to a primary cost. For example, "Besides the tuition fees, students should budget for "ancillary costs" like textbooks and accommodation."

What is the difference between "an ancillary cost" and "an additional expense"?

While both terms refer to extra costs, "an ancillary cost" often implies a cost that is directly related to a primary activity or service, whereas "an additional expense" is a broader term for any extra spending.

What are some examples of ancillary costs?

Examples of ancillary costs include shipping fees, service charges, and costs for additional features or services associated with a primary purchase or activity.

Is it correct to use "an ancillary cost" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ancillary cost" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business or academic contexts, as it accurately describes a supplementary expense. However, ensure clarity by specifying the related primary cost.