cause a cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a cost" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing the implications or consequences of an action that leads to an expense or financial burden. Example: "The new policy may cause a cost increase for the company."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He continued: "We are not going to use military force in order to retaliate or deter or punish or cause a cost on the other side, simply because we believe international pressure is more effective than any military pressure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Soaring energy bills are causing a cost of living crisis.

The Guardian - Money

During the second half of this parliament Labour has argued that stagnant real wages have caused a "cost of living crisis".

The Economist

Each overtime hour causes a cost increase by 20.0$/h per labor resource.

Visualization in Engineering

He already faces criticism over the lack of wage growth, which his opponents say is causing a "cost-of-living crisis".

The Economist

This limitation causes a cost-benefit solution for which choices must be made in order to create an outcome that is favorable to the network administrators.

Journal of Big Data

High noble metal loadings of the dimensionally stable anodes, e.g. IrO2-coated titanium electrodes, cause a main cost of such devices.

Electrochimica Acta

This may cause a higher economic cost.

Environmental Systems Research

Maintain regular dredging for channel and water intake is necessary, but severe deposition caused a large cost increase in the annual maintenance costs are also not in economy.

Procedia Engineering

Although screening of the cohort caused a relative cost increase in CRC care overall, it appears that the cost-effectiveness of FOBT screening does not deteriorate and may actually improve in a population with rising life expectancy.

British Journal of Cancer

If they don't work against Russia or North Korea, you may cause a war that costs millions of lives.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause a cost", consider whether a more precise verb (e.g. increase, generate, incur) would improve clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cause a cost" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms to enhance the professional tone of your writing. Options such as "lead to expenses" or "result in expenditure" often provide a better fit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a cost" functions as a verb phrase where "cause" is the verb and "a cost" is the direct object. It describes the action of initiating or creating a financial burden. Ludwig AI notes the expression may sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause a cost" is a grammatically acceptable way to express that something leads to an expense. However, Ludwig AI indicates it may sound somewhat awkward and that more precise alternatives are often preferred. The phrase appears in a mix of contexts, including science, news, and to a lesser extent, academia. While understandable, it's advisable to consider stronger and more direct verbs or phrases to enhance clarity and impact, especially in formal writing. Options like "incur a cost", "lead to expenses", or "result in expenditure" can often provide a more sophisticated and effective way to convey the intended meaning. It's important to remember that effective writing is not just about being correct, but also about choosing the best words to achieve the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incur a cost

Focuses on the experience of undergoing or suffering the cost, rather than initiating it.

lead to expenses

Highlights the resultant expenses that stem from an action or situation.

result in expenditure

Emphasizes the outcome as a form of financial spending or outlay.

drive up costs

Implies a direct action that increases existing costs.

generate costs

Suggests that something actively produces or creates costs.

impose a financial burden

Stresses the weight or difficulty of the cost involved.

create an overhead

Refers to ongoing or indirect costs associated with a business or project.

trigger a charge

Highlights a specific event that initiates a fee or expense.

necessitate payment

Emphasizes the requirement to pay as a consequence.

produce a deficit

Focuses on a resultant shortfall or financial loss.

FAQs

What does "cause a cost" mean?

The phrase "cause a cost" means to be the reason or source of an expense or financial burden. It implies that something leads to an increase in expenditure or creates a new cost.

What are some alternatives to "cause a cost"?

Instead of "cause a cost", you can use phrases like "incur a cost", "lead to expenses", or "result in expenditure", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "cause a cost" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, "cause a cost" isn't the most common or elegant way to express the idea. Alternatives such as "incur a cost" or "drive up costs" may sound more natural and refined.

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

You can use "cause a cost" to show how something contributes to expenses, for example: "The new regulations may cause a cost increase for the company" However consider using more common alternatives.