comes at a price

USAGE SUMMARY

"comes at a price" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to describe any situation in which something has a cost associated with it. For example, "Owning a car comes at a price — there's ongoing maintenance to consider, as well as fuel and insurance costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Immersion comes at a price.

The New York Times

Independence comes at a price.

The New York Times - Tech

That power, though, comes at a price.

The Economist

Predictably, all that comes at a price.

The New York Times

But that comes at a price.

The New York Times

And obviously, that comes at a price".

The New York Times

Because its versatility comes at a price.

The New York Times

However, this speed comes at a price.

The Economist

But popularity comes at a price.

Independent

But originality comes at a price.

The Economist

That loyalty comes at a price.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comes at a price", be specific about what the 'price' entails. This adds clarity and credibility to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "comes at a price" without specifying what the price actually is. Vague statements weaken the impact of the phrase and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comes at a price" functions as an idiom used to indicate that a particular benefit, advantage, or positive outcome is associated with a cost, sacrifice, or negative consequence. It acknowledges a trade-off. Ludwig's examples confirm this widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comes at a price" is a common idiom used to indicate that every advantage or benefit has a corresponding cost or trade-off. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its communicative purpose is to highlight these trade-offs, providing a balanced view. The register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While used across various sources, it's primarily found in news and media. Remember that while the phrase itself is effective, always specify the 'price' to provide clarity and impact to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involves a trade-off

Emphasizes the exchange or compromise necessary to achieve something.

has its downsides

Focuses on the negative aspects or disadvantages associated with something.

is not without its challenges

Highlights the difficulties or obstacles that accompany something.

demands a sacrifice

Suggests that something requires giving up something valuable.

carries a penalty

Indicates a negative consequence or punishment associated with something.

has repercussions

Focuses on the consequences, often negative, that follow an action or decision.

requires an investment

Highlights the need for resources, such as time or money, to be committed.

entails certain risks

Points out the potential dangers or hazards involved.

is conditional on something

Stresses the dependence of something on specific terms or requirements.

is a double-edged sword

Indicates that something has both positive and negative aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "comes at a price" in a sentence?

You can use "comes at a price" to indicate that a benefit or advantage has associated costs or drawbacks. For example, "Increased efficiency "comes at a price", requiring significant initial investment."

What's a more formal way to express "comes at a price"?

A more formal alternative to "comes at a price" is "involves a trade-off". For example, "This decision "involves a trade-off" between short-term gains and long-term sustainability."

Is it always negative when something "comes at a price"?

While "comes at a price" often highlights negative aspects or drawbacks, it primarily acknowledges that there are costs associated with a benefit, whether those costs are monetary, time-related, or involve other sacrifices. It is not always inherently negative.

What are some alternatives to "comes at a price" that emphasize risk?

If you want to emphasize the risk aspect, you could use phrases like "entails certain risks" or "carries a penalty" instead of "comes at a price".