at small cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at small cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be achieved or obtained with minimal expense or financial outlay. Example: "The new software can improve efficiency at small cost, making it an attractive option for businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If economics teaches us anything, it is to be suspicious of policies that seem to offer big benefits at small cost.

The New Yorker

That's when the city gets rowdy with music festivals, parades, celebrations of art and food, and most of it at small cost.

The New York Times

Inland navigation is important in certain countries; a good river and canal system is capable of carrying goods and passengers at small cost over considerable distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An adequate receiving set suitable for a coastwise tug can now be got at small cost and is reasonably reliable if kept up; obviously it is a source of great protection to their tows.

Harvard University

The core size of this type of fiber is limited by the cutoff value of the normalized frequency and can be enlarged at small cost of single mode property in short wavelength.

Optics Communications

Neither can we compare Cimon's popular and liberal table with the sumptuous oriental one of Lucullus, the former receiving a great many guests every day at small cost, and the latter expensively spread for a few men of pleasure, unless you will say that different times made the alteration.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If there's a twenty-dollar bill on the sidewalk--economists' old catch-phrase meaning an opportunity for big gain at small cost--why not pick it up?

Huffington Post

The optimal allocation of the entire testing budget is qualitatively similar to the optimal allocation of new resources only in Scenario 2. However in Scenario 3, routine testing should be split between high prevalence settings and acute care at smaller cost ratios and budget increases.

Health Care Management Science

An increase in bird abundance can be fostered at smaller costs when compared to the costs for increasing biodiversity.

Biological Conservation

The circus is likely to drag on, at no small cost, with things more or less at a standstill at city hall.The scandal has also had a more subtle effect.

The Economist

Hibs are now looking at fans' reports about the culprit and will invest in enhanced security "at no small cost".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, ensure that the context makes clear what specific element the "small cost" is related to, such as time, money, or effort.

Common error

Avoid assuming "at small cost" automatically implies high value. While it suggests efficiency, explicitly state the benefits or value gained to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at small cost" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is achieved. It specifies that an action is performed or a result is obtained with minimal expenditure or sacrifice. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at small cost" is a grammatically sound and useful expression that signifies accomplishing something with minimal expense or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a variety of writing contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific writing, offering a neutral tone suitable for professional communication. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to explicitly communicate the benefits attained in order to prevent ambiguity. Consider using alternative phrases such as "inexpensively" or "for a nominal fee" to fine-tune your message and precisely convey your intent. The phrase's value lies in its ability to convey efficiency and positive outcomes, making it beneficial in persuasive and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexpensively

Adverb that directly describes doing something cheaply, differing from the prepositional phrase structure.

for a nominal fee

Indicates a very small charge is involved, emphasizing the monetary aspect.

with minimal investment

Focuses on the investment aspect rather than the general concept of cost.

at a bargain price

Highlights the advantageous price point.

on a shoestring budget

Emphasizes extreme frugality and resourcefulness.

economically

Describes the act of doing something in a cost-effective way.

with little effort

Shifts the focus from monetary cost to the amount of effort required.

with minimal resources

Highlights the scarcity of resources used.

at a discount

Focuses on a reduction from the standard price.

on the cheap

Informal way of saying something is done or obtained at a low price.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at small cost" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "at minimal expense", "with a modest investment", or "economically" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "at small cost" and "at no cost"?

"At small cost" implies there's a minor expense or effort involved, while "at no cost" means something is entirely free. The phrases are not interchangeable; using "at no cost" when there's a slight charge would be inaccurate.

Is it correct to say "at a small cost" or "at small cost"?

Both forms are grammatically acceptable, but "at a small cost" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. Omitting the article 'a' in "at small cost" is less common but still understandable.

What are some situations where using "at small cost" might be most appropriate?

The phrase "at small cost" is best suited for situations where a benefit is achieved without significant expenditure, such as implementing a new efficiency measure in business or achieving a scientific breakthrough with limited resources.