at considerable cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at considerable cost" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to signify that a certain action requires a significant expenditure of resources. Example sentence: He was able to build his dream house at considerable cost.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it did so at considerable cost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moskowitz's discretion came at considerable cost.

The New Yorker

The delay comes at considerable cost.

The New York Times - Science

This has come at considerable cost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This cooperation has come at considerable cost to the government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cutoffs at higher BNP levels improved sensitivity at considerable cost to specificity.

Stanford University

It was made at considerable cost to herself over an intense eight-month period.

The Guardian - Arts

When that last happened, in 1984, workers struck for 67 days at considerable cost.

The New York Times

The Spanish food processing industry produces biomass that must be disposed of at considerable cost.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those with too much hair have a better chance of putting things right, but at considerable cost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They've stayed, at considerable cost to San Diego, which has had to pay for the upkeep of Qualcomm Stadium.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at considerable cost", ensure the context clearly defines what type of cost is being referred to (financial, emotional, etc.) for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at considerable cost" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "it was expensive" or "it took a lot of effort" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at considerable cost" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or clause to specify the circumstances under which an action occurs or a state exists. This is supported by Ludwig AI's finding that the phrase is correct and readily usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at considerable cost" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a significant expenditure or sacrifice associated with an action or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness allows for widespread use across various contexts. While appearing frequently in News & Media sources, its formal tone also makes it suitable for academic and professional writing. When using "at considerable cost", ensure clarity regarding the type of cost being referenced, and consider simpler alternatives for more casual contexts. Related phrases include "at substantial expense" or "at significant sacrifice", offering subtle variations in meaning. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrasing to accurately convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at substantial expense

Replaces "cost" with "expense", emphasizing the financial aspect. Slightly more formal.

at significant sacrifice

Focuses on the loss or hardship involved, rather than just financial outlay.

at great financial burden

Highlights the financial strain or heavy load implied by the cost.

with significant repercussions

Shifts the focus to the consequences or aftereffects of the cost.

with major implications

Similar to "repercussions" but emphasizes the broader, more far-reaching effects.

at a steep price

Uses a more metaphorical expression for the cost, implying it is high.

at a premium

Indicates the cost is above the standard or expected level.

entailing considerable outlay

More formal alternative, emphasizing the investment or expenditure of resources.

incurring a heavy toll

Highlights the negative impact or burden associated with the cost.

demanding a high payment

Emphasizes the requirement of giving something of value.

FAQs

How can I use "at considerable cost" in a sentence?

Use "at considerable cost" to indicate that something was achieved but required significant resources or sacrifices. For example, "The company expanded its market share "at considerable cost", investing heavily in advertising".

What are some alternatives to "at considerable cost"?

Alternatives include "at great expense", "at significant sacrifice", or "with major implications depending on the specific meaning you want to convey".

Is it better to say "at considerable cost" or "at a considerable cost"?

"At considerable cost" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural and is more commonly used. The indefinite article "a" is not typically included.

What's the difference between "at considerable cost" and "at a high price"?

While both indicate something expensive, "at considerable cost" often refers to a broader range of sacrifices beyond just money, whereas "at a high price" typically implies a monetary expense.