at what expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at what expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when asking or discussing the cost of something. For example, "At what expense did you get the new car?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But at what expense?

The Guardian

"It's working for her, but at what expense?" said Ms. Colunga, the filmmaker.

The New York Times

How and at what expense did they did sustain their cultural, religious, and civic rights under these regimes?

Columbia University

That means tough decisions must be made about which services are provided, to whom and at what expense.

The Guardian

He said: "Alexander the Great, but at what expense -- to himself, to his health, to his mind?

The New York Times

A frequent dupe of advertising herself — how many depilatories and night creams had she bought over the years, and at what expense?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We look at what expenses can be eliminated or lowered, such as cable TV, gas bills for transportation, extracurricular activities for kids, whatever it is," Mr. Ruiz said.

The New York Times

For the past week and more I've been constantly exhausted, overwhelmed with the blitzkrieg of media attention, and in a constant state of anxiety about both the success of our movement and at what personal expense it might come.

Huffington Post

Cities are just looking at what their big expenses are, and this is a big expense".

The New Yorker

So nearly every inch of Alvernia has been modeled, at what looks like absurd expense, and with impressively bonkers disregard for the facility's future resale value, on Giger's work.

The New York Times - Magazine

News Feed says the social network has launched a "company-wide effort to improve the integrity of information on our service". But at what cost and whose expense?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at what expense" to prompt critical thinking about the less obvious or unintended consequences of a decision or action. It encourages a more thorough evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "at what expense" only when considering financial costs. It is most effective when questioning ethical, social, or environmental implications that might be overlooked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at what expense" functions as an interrogative phrase used to question the value or desirability of an action or outcome, considering its potential negative consequences or sacrifices. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at what expense" is a valuable tool for prompting critical thinking and evaluating the comprehensive impact of decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While similar to "at what cost", it extends beyond purely financial considerations to encompass ethical, social, and environmental implications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic discussions, and analytical evaluations, making it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to employ this phrase to encourage deeper examination of potential downsides and hidden consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the real cost

Emphasizes that the true price might be more than just monetary.

what's the downside

Directly asks about the negative aspects or disadvantages.

what's the hidden price

Similar to "what's the catch", but more explicitly about hidden costs.

what's the trade-off

Focuses on the compromise made when choosing one thing over another.

what's the long-term effect

Concentrates on the enduring impact, potentially negative.

what sacrifices are made

Focuses on what must be given up to achieve something.

what are the repercussions

Highlights the potential negative consequences that could arise.

what compromises are necessary

Highlights the concessions required.

what's the catch

Implies a hidden problem or disadvantage.

what will it take

Broader, but implies the effort and resources needed, possibly beyond what's immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at what expense" to sound less accusatory?

Consider using alternatives like "what's the real cost?" or "what are the trade-offs?" for a less direct approach.

Is "at what cost" the same as "at what expense"?

While similar, "at what "cost"" often refers to monetary value, whereas "at what "expense"" can encompass broader implications, like ethical or social impact.

How do I use "at what expense" in a sentence?

You can use it to question the value of achieving a goal if the negative consequences are significant. For example, "They achieved rapid growth, but at what "expense" to the environment?"

What's the difference between "at any cost" and "at what expense"?

"At any "cost"" implies a willingness to sacrifice anything to achieve a goal, while "at what "expense"" questions whether the sacrifices are justified.