at great expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at great expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was achieved or obtained with significant cost, whether financial or otherwise. Example: "The company decided to expand its operations, but it did so at great expense, impacting its overall budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That will mean reengineering entire cellular networks from the ground up–at great expense.

Forbes

We are having both, at great expense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Employers train them for months, at great expense.

The Economist

At great expense such a door was installed.

The New Yorker

New technologies offer beneficial advances but only at great expense.

The New York Times

The boardwalks were built back, at great expense.

The New York Times

Priestley: We put Caroline in special schools at great expense.

The New York Times

Scenes were laboriously captured on celluloid, at great expense.

The Economist

They have caused untold misery at great expense.

The Washington Post

He was then educated by the state at great expense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rich countries police some oceans, but at great expense.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about projects or initiatives, use "at great expense" to underscore the scale of investment and effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "at great expense" when the cost is relatively minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at great expense" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a state is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at great expense" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates something has been achieved with a significant cost, usually financial. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in news and media, but it's also common in scientific and business contexts. Related phrases include "at considerable cost" and "at significant cost", which can be used as alternatives depending on the context. It is crucial to reserve the phrase for situations where the cost is genuinely substantial to maintain its impact. Ludwig AI confirms that the usage is correct and the phrase serves to emphasize the magnitude of the cost involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at considerable cost

Replaces "expense" with "cost", implying a significant financial burden.

at significant cost

Substitutes "great" with "significant", indicating a notable level of expenditure.

at a high price

Uses "price" instead of "expense", suggesting a valuable resource was expended.

at substantial cost

Replaces "great" with "substantial", indicating a considerable outlay.

at enormous cost

Emphasizes the magnitude of the cost involved.

at a premium

Implies a higher-than-usual price was paid.

at heavy cost

Conveys a sense of burden or sacrifice associated with the expense.

at extreme cost

Highlights that it was an unusually large expense.

with significant investment

Focuses on the investment aspect, implying a substantial financial commitment.

with considerable investment

Uses "considerable investment" indicating a notable commitment of resources.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at great expense" in a sentence?

You can replace "at great expense" with alternatives such as "at considerable cost", "at significant cost", or "at a high price" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at great cost" or "at great expense"?

Both "at great cost" and "at great expense" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "At great cost" might be preferred when referring to non-monetary sacrifices, while "at great expense" often implies a financial burden.

What does "at great expense" imply beyond just financial cost?

"At great expense" often suggests a significant investment of resources beyond just money, such as time, effort, or other valuable assets. The exact implication depends on the context, emphasizing that whatever was gained came with a substantial sacrifice.

When should I use "at great expense" instead of simply stating the cost?

Use "at great expense" when you want to emphasize the magnitude or burden of the cost, rather than just stating the amount. It adds a layer of significance, highlighting that the cost was considerable in proportion to the outcome or achievement.