bear a cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear a cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the implications or expenses associated with a decision or action. Example: "Implementing the new policy will bear a cost that we need to consider in our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Like other forms of compensation, options bear a cost to the corporation.

MIT Technology Review

That will bear a cost and will probably mean lower headline rates but it should mean that more savers are treated fairly.

The Economist

In effect, Nash thinks they're are being asked to bear a cost that no one is even interested in accurately measuring.

The Guardian - Travel

Where access to the forests is free, and when the property rights to the products that can be picked from the ground are not clearly assigned, forest owners bear a cost, in the form of forest damage by pickers, and receive no benefit.

Forest Policy and Economics

"If you hold Swiss francs right now you do have to bear a cost.

BBC

Such changes bear a cost which I do not doubt that the taxpayer will have to pick up.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But the burst of projects bore a cost: each family was required to deliver 17 bags of pebbles every month to its local party committee.

The New York Times

Clustering across multiple genomes inevitably bears a cost in terms of increased FP rates, however: 16% for OrthoMCL, and 36% for KOG.

Plosone

A rare type therefore invades and challenges the dominant type, unless the rare type bears a cost sufficient to outweigh its inherent advantage.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Each EU resident (smoker or non-smoker) therefore bears a cost between €211 and €281 per year as the consequence of tobacco smoking in the region.

BMJ Open

Resistance bears a cost through any one of these parameters, while drug treatment blocks either cell infection or viral production of the sensitive strain with given efficacy.

Evolutionary Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear a cost" when you want to emphasize the responsibility or impact of a cost on a specific entity or individual.

Common error

Avoid using "bear a cost" when the cost is indirectly related or not directly impacting the subject. Be precise about who or what actually "bears" the cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a cost" functions as a verb phrase. It indicates that someone or something is responsible for or subjected to a financial or non-financial burden. Ludwig shows that it is used in various contexts to indicate responsibility or impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear a cost" signifies the act of being responsible for or subjected to an expense or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various fields, including science, news, and academia. Alternatives like ""incur a cost"" or "assume a cost" offer nuanced variations, while it's essential to accurately attribute who or what is bearing the cost. When writing, remember that "bear a cost" highlights the responsibility or impact more than a simple expense. Ensure the cost aligns directly with the subject for clarity. The phrase is suitable in neutral or formal settings, reflecting its objective and informative nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incur a cost

Replaces "bear" with "incur", focusing on the act of becoming subject to a cost.

shoulder a cost

Emphasizes the act of personally taking on or supporting the cost.

absorb a cost

Highlights the act of incorporating the cost within oneself or a system.

assume a cost

Implies taking responsibility for the cost, often willingly.

face a cost

Focuses on confronting or dealing with a cost that arises.

sustain a cost

Highlights the endurance of a cost over time.

carry a cost

Suggests the burden of a cost that must be managed.

meet a cost

Implies having the resources or means to cover a cost.

cover a cost

Specifically refers to providing the funds necessary to pay for a cost.

offset a cost

Highlights the act of counterbalancing a cost with a benefit or savings.

FAQs

What does it mean to "bear a cost"?

To "bear a cost" means to be responsible for or to suffer the consequences of an expense or burden. It implies directly experiencing the impact of that cost.

How can I use "bear a cost" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company will "incur a cost" if it delays the project" or "Consumers will "absorb a cost" due to the new tax policy."

Is there a difference between "bear a cost" and ""incur a cost""?

While similar, "bear a cost" often implies a sense of burden or responsibility, whereas ""incur a cost"" is a more neutral term simply indicating that a cost has been created.

What are some alternatives to using "bear a cost"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "assume a cost", ""absorb a cost"", or "face a cost" to convey similar meanings.