at some cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that achieving something will require a sacrifice or expense, whether financial, time-related, or otherwise. Example: "The project was completed successfully, but it was done at some cost to the team's morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the beauty comes at some cost.

The New York Times

But it comes at some cost.

The New York Times

That bite comes at some cost.

The New York Times

Schumer's prominence has come at some cost.

The New Yorker

These have continued, at some cost.

The Guardian

Jones had won the moment, but at some cost.

The New Yorker

This posture has come at some cost, she said.

The New York Times

Field's technical education came gradually and at some cost.

The New York Times

Does that come at some cost to national pride?

The New York Times

Organizers are often ambivalent about drug testing; it legitimizes the event, but at some cost.

The New York Times - Sports

Feinstein has endorsed Obama's muscular counterterrorism policy, at some cost to her reputation among civil libertarians.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at some cost", clearly indicate what the cost entails to ensure transparency and avoid ambiguity. State explicitly whether it's a financial, emotional, or practical setback.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by specifying the nature of the "cost". For example, instead of saying "The project was successful at some cost", specify what was sacrificed: "The project was successful, but at some cost to team morale and available resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some cost" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or consequence of an action. As supported by Ludwig, it adds information about how or under what circumstances something occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at some cost" is a common way to express that an achievement or positive outcome comes with a downside or sacrifice. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It often functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to add a qualifying condition. While the register is generally neutral, ensuring clarity by specifying the "cost" involved is important for effective communication. Alternatives like "at a price" or "with tradeoffs" can be used to convey similar meanings. Usage of "at some cost" is most prevalent in News & Media, followed by Science and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a certain price

Highlights that the cost can be more than just financial.

at some sacrifice

Implies a relinquishing of something valued in order to achieve the goal.

with certain sacrifices

Focuses more directly on the idea of sacrifices being made.

with some tradeoffs

Highlights the exchange of one thing for another, where the exchange implies some loss

with certain disadvantages

Emphasizes the negative aspects or drawbacks involved.

with some drawbacks

Drawbacks are like disadvantages, but may be less severe.

with negative consequences

Focuses on the potential repercussions or undesirable outcomes.

with undesirable effects

Similar to negative consequences, but emphasizes the effects of the action.

at a loss

Highlights that the cost may not be recoverable.

with certain penalties

Emphasizes a punishment or negative repercussion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at some cost" indicates that achieving something requires a sacrifice. For example: "The company increased its profits, but "at some cost" to employee well-being."

What does "at some cost" mean?

It means achieving a goal or outcome necessitates a sacrifice, loss, or negative consequence. The "cost" can be financial, emotional, or related to resources.

What can I say instead of "at some cost"?

Alternatives include "at a price", "with tradeoffs", or "with certain sacrifices" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at some cost" or "at all costs"?

The phrases have very different meanings. "At some cost" acknowledges a sacrifice, while "at all costs" (/s/at+all+costs) implies a willingness to make any sacrifice to achieve a goal.