certain cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an expenditure that is known or already identified. For example: "The purchase of new laptops for the department resulted in a certain cost that was not part of the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She received great publicity from the trial, but at a certain cost.

The New York Times

Also, we present mathematical models to calculate certain cost parts of a network.

Computer Networks

These designs minimize the variance of the treatment contrast under certain cost constraints.

Statistical Methodology

They are capable of finding near optimal cost solutions to these problems given certain cost and hydraulic parameters.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Two capacity assignment strategies are compared in order to improve the robustness of the network at certain cost.

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering

One can find queueing problem with one machine that are first best implementable under certain cost conditions.

European Journal of Operational Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They're even amenable to certain cost-cutting measures in Medicare itself.

The New York Times

Despite their importance, flight recorders and cockpit voice recorders have proved difficult to justify by certain cost-benefit analyses, Mr. Hall said.

The New York Times

It is with deep regret that we inform you of certain cost-cutting measures that will be taken in the coming days so that we can remain competitive.

The New Yorker

If the private sector does not meet certain cost-cutting targets in, say, five years, a public-sector plan should automatically kick in.

The Economist

The deal was worth about $6 billion at list prices, although airlines typically negotiate discounts, and was subject to employees accepting certain cost-cutting measures.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain cost" when you want to refer to a specific or known cost, rather than a vague or estimated one. It suggests a degree of precision and awareness about the expenditure.

Common error

Avoid using "certain cost" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "price" or "charge" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "cost". It describes a specific or known expense, distinguishing it from an estimated or uncertain one. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain cost" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that signifies a specific or known expense. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reliable sources. Its usage spans across diverse fields such as science, news media, and formal business communication, with a neutral register. While effective in conveying financial clarity, it's advisable to opt for simpler terms like "price" or "charge" in informal contexts. Remember, the phrase is most potent when you want to emphasize the precision and identifiability of an expenditure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific expense

Focuses on the particularity of the expenditure.

definite charge

Emphasizes a fixed or clearly determined fee.

known expenditure

Highlights the awareness and predictability of the cost.

fixed price

Suggests a price that is not subject to change.

agreed upon fee

Implies a mutual agreement on the cost.

established rate

Indicates a rate that has been previously set or determined.

particular outlay

Highlights a specific amount of money spent.

identified expense

Focuses on recognizing and pinpointing a particular cost.

predictable cost

Emphasizes the capability to foresee or expect the cost.

quantifiable expenditure

Highlights the ability to measure or express the cost numerically.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain cost" to refer to a known or specific expense. For example: "The project incurred a "certain cost" due to unforeseen delays."

What are some alternatives to "certain cost"?

Some alternatives to "certain cost" include "specific expense", "definite charge", or "known expenditure", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain cost" or "reasonable cost"?

"Certain cost" refers to a known or specific expense, while "reasonable cost" implies that the expense is fair and justifiable. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing specificity or affordability. See also "reasonable cost".

What's the difference between "certain cost" and "estimated cost"?

"Certain cost" refers to a specific or known expense, whereas "estimated cost" is an approximation or prediction of what the expense will be. One is definite, and the other is a projection.