but it cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but it cost" is not correct as it is incomplete.
It can be used in a context where you are discussing the price of something, but it needs to be followed by a subject or additional information to be grammatically correct. Example: "I wanted to buy the new phone, but it cost more than I expected."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cramer could perform, but it cost him.

The New York Times - Magazine

You better eat organic foods but it cost much.

Harvard University

But it cost her more than money and time.

The New York Times

But it cost almost $400 (sans cloth carrying case).

The New York Times

I felt improved, but it cost us both.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Leno won the slot, but it cost him millions of viewers.

Harvard University

Nichols gave Rabe a hit show, but it cost them their relationship.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it costs additional space to save alternative paths which decrease its efficiency dramatically.

Journal of Big Data

But it costs $230.

The New York Times - Tech

But it costs money.

The New York Times

But it costs only 99 renminbi ($15).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but it cost", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject to which the cost applies. For instance, instead of saying "The project was successful, but it cost", clarify with "The project was successful, but it cost a lot of time and resources".

Common error

A common mistake is using "but it cost" without specifying the cost. To avoid this, always follow the phrase with what was lost or expended, such as "but it cost time", "but it cost money", or "but it cost her reputation".

Linguistic Context

"But it cost" functions as a conjunction phrase, typically used to introduce a contrasting or consequential element to a preceding statement. It serves to indicate that while something positive or desirable may have occurred, it involved a sacrifice or negative impact, be it financial, emotional, or otherwise. Ludwig confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but it cost" is a common conjunction phrase used to introduce a negative consequence or trade-off. While generally grammatically acceptable, it requires a clear context to specify what "it" refers to and what the cost entails. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To enhance clarity, specify the type of cost involved and avoid using the phrase in isolation. Although Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is not correct as it is incomplete, usage examples demonstrate that the phrase is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, it had its price

Highlights that there was a sacrifice or negative aspect involved.

yet, it came at a price

Similar to the previous phrase, but with a slightly different nuance.

but there was a downside

Emphasizes the negative aspect or consequence more directly.

on the other hand, it demanded a high price

Clearly states a significant cost or sacrifice was necessary.

though, it wasn't without its drawbacks

Acknowledges the positive, but immediately points to negative aspects.

nonetheless, there was a trade-off

Highlights the exchange of one thing for another, often implying a negative consequence.

even so, it had repercussions

Emphasizes the consequences of an action, which might not be immediately obvious.

conversely, it extracted a toll

Implies a heavy burden or negative effect resulting from the action.

still, it wasn't cheap

Focuses specifically on the financial cost, but can be expanded metaphorically.

despite that, it proved expensive

Highlights the financial cost, but also implies it was unexpectedly high.

FAQs

How can I use "but it cost" in a sentence?

The phrase "but it cost" is used to introduce a negative consequence or expense associated with something. For example, "I got the promotion, "but it cost" me my personal life".

What is a more formal alternative to "but it cost"?

In more formal writing, consider using phrases like "however, it came at a price" or "nonetheless, it exacted a toll". These alternatives provide a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but it cost"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged in formal writing, it is acceptable in many contexts. However, "but it cost" typically functions best as a continuation of a previous clause, showing contrast or consequence.

What's the difference between "but it cost" and "but it was expensive"?

"But it cost" implies a broader range of costs, including time, effort, or other resources, not just money. "But it was expensive" focuses specifically on the monetary expense. To cover different kinds of expenses, use "but it had its price".