at zero cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at zero cost" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that costs nothing or has no additional expense associated with it. For example: "The library provides internet access at zero cost to its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And we're providing that at zero cost to employees.

The New York Times

We are carrying out high-quality projects at zero cost to the city.

The New York Times

I would also guarantee any whistleblower coming forward would have the best legal representation at zero cost".

The Guardian - Tech

Israel Hayom was breaking the market with ads at zero cost, crippling rivals' revenue streams, he said.

The Guardian

We use their products reflexively, every single day, and much of it comes at zero cost to the user.

The New York Times

Courtesy of a partnership with South African mobile operators Cell C and MTN, students can access the material on these networks at zero cost.

The Guardian

Even so, he noted that nowadays, people can get up and running at zero cost if they have a decent smartphone already in their pocket.

The Guardian - Tech

And he has turned Twitter into a gigantic amplifier (he has 7 million followers) – which means that his message gets everywhere at zero cost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because, we're always told, Franklin will receive a fine education at Berkeley, one that will set her up for life after swimming at zero cost.

The New Yorker

Surely it is not beyond the wit of the British to do something similar which, provided the construction is done by British companies employing British workers, could be done at zero cost to the UK economy?

The Guardian

It was the Open University's code name for a secret project which, according to some accounts, will revolutionise higher education, making it available to millions across the world at zero cost.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at zero cost" when emphasizing the complete absence of financial expenditure for a product, service, or activity. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of your target audience when choosing alternatives.

Common error

Don't assume "at zero cost" means there are no implications whatsoever. While there might be no direct monetary cost, there could be indirect costs like time, effort, or data privacy concerns. Always clarify the scope of 'zero cost' to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at zero cost" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It specifies the condition under which something is provided or obtained, indicating the absence of any financial charge. Ludwig confirms its grammatically correct use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at zero cost" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates the absence of any financial charge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "free of charge" and "without charge" exist, "at zero cost" effectively emphasizes the lack of financial expenditure. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential indirect costs or trade-offs that may not be immediately apparent. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrates its widespread acceptance and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free of charge

Emphasizes the lack of any fees or payments required.

for free

Simple and commonly used, often interchangeable, but sometimes considered less formal.

without charge

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

at no charge

A simple and direct way to indicate that there is no cost involved.

at no expense

Highlights the lack of financial burden or expenditure.

complimentary

Suggests something is given as a courtesy or gift.

cost-free

Emphasizes that something does not involve costs

gratis

A more formal or Latinate term for 'free'.

for nothing

An informal way to say something is obtained without payment.

without payment

Focuses on the absence of any monetary transaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "at zero cost" to indicate that something is available without any financial charge. For example, "The software is available "at zero cost" to students".

What are some alternatives to "at zero cost"?

Some alternatives to "at zero cost" include "free of charge", "without charge", or "at no expense". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "free of cost" instead of "at zero cost"?

While "free of cost" is understandable, "at zero cost" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically sound. Alternatives like "free of charge" or "without charge" are also good options.

Does "at zero cost" always mean completely free?

"At zero cost" usually implies no direct monetary cost, but it's important to consider potential indirect costs or trade-offs. For example, a service offered "at zero cost" might collect user data or require viewing advertisements.