at no cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"at no cost" is a valid phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to mean that something is offered or provided without any charges or fees. For example, "The store is offering the item at no cost for the first ten customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Usually at no cost.

The New York Times

At no cost.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(The Network requires registration at no cost).

The New York Times

Medical Screening at no cost to you.

Harvard University

Treatment is generally provided at no cost.

Columbia University

Usually at no cost to the country.

The Guardian

Europe's airports offer trolleys at no cost.

The New York Times

Outpatient treatment is provided at no cost to students.

University of California, Berkeley

Lodging and meals are included at no cost.

Princeton University

This service is provided at no cost to your organization.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It also requires that insurers cover vasectomies at no-cost.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at no cost", ensure the context clearly indicates who benefits from the lack of cost. For example, "The service is provided at no cost to the user."

Common error

Avoid assuming "at no cost" implies a complete absence of any effort or resource expenditure. While there's no monetary charge, there might still be time investment or other non-monetary costs involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at no cost" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the manner in which something is provided or offered. Ludwig's examples show it describing services, treatments, or access provided without financial charge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at no cost" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies something is provided without any financial charge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it’s essential to ensure clarity regarding who benefits from the lack of cost, this phrase effectively communicates the absence of financial burden, making it a valuable tool for clear and persuasive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Free

The most concise and universally understood term for something that doesn't cost money.

For free

A simpler and more common way to express that something is not paid for.

Free of charge

Replaces "at no cost" with a more direct expression of freeness.

Without charge

Similar to "free of charge" but can sound slightly more formal.

At no expense

Highlights the absence of financial burden.

At no price

Emphasizes the zero monetary value.

Complimentary

Often used in business contexts to describe something given as a courtesy.

Without payment

Focuses on the lack of monetary transaction involved.

Gratis

A more formal or archaic term for "free".

On the house

An informal idiom, usually referring to offerings in a restaurant or bar.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at no cost" in a professional context?

In professional settings, you can use alternatives such as "free of charge", "complimentary", or "without charge" to maintain a formal tone.

What is the difference between "for free" and "at no cost"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "at no cost" is generally considered more formal than "for free". The choice depends on the context and audience.

Is it correct to say "at no cost to the taxpayer"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. This phrase is commonly used to emphasize that a particular initiative or service does not require funding from taxpayers.

When should I use "at no cost" instead of simply saying "free"?

Use "at no cost" when you want to emphasize that there are specifically no monetary charges involved. "Free" is a broader term that could also imply no effort or obligation, while "at no cost" focuses solely on the financial aspect.