cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the amount of money that must be paid for something or the effort that must be expended to attain a goal. For example, "The cost of the new car was higher than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a huge waste of the next generation's skills, potential and talent and it comes at a huge cost to young black and minority-ethnic people, their families, taxpayers and the economy".

The Guardian

According to the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT), the cost of a Milton Keynes season ticket has risen 23.5%, or £930, since January 2010 and is one of a number of fares that have increased around four times more than average wages over this five-year period.

The Guardian

It was also reported that Darling "flipped" the location of his second home four times in four years, allowing him to claim thousands of pounds towards the cost of his Edinburgh home and a London flat.

The Guardian

George Osborne's proposed "cuts" in national insurance contributions will cost about £5.6bn, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

The Guardian

Low-income families are the ones that would be hardest hit by such a cost increase.

The Economist

Economists generally agree that the key to addressing climate change is to raise the cost of burning fossil fuels, either directly, through a carbon tax, or indirectly, through a cap-and-trade program.

The Economist

But another cost has been the damage done to the whole notion of financial innovation.

The Economist

These costs aren't trivial: a 2001 study showed that the cost of switching a loan came to about a third of the loan's annual interest rate.

The Economist

Instead, a hefty chunk of the increase in consumption in recent decades has been the result of higher housing prices, the rising cost of medical care, more spending on education, and childcare.

The Economist

But at what cost?

The New York Times

You are responsible for the cost (if any) of sending your Competition entry to us.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "cost" of a project, clearly specify whether you are referring to direct monetary expenses, indirect costs like time and effort, or both. This avoids ambiguity and provides a comprehensive understanding of the resources involved.

Common error

Avoid using "cost" and "price" interchangeably. "Price" refers specifically to the amount a seller asks for a product or service, while "cost" encompasses all expenses incurred by the producer or buyer, including time, effort, and resources. For example, the "price" of a book is $20, but the "cost" to acquire the knowledge within may be much higher.

Linguistic Context

The word "cost" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the amount of money, time, or resources required for something. It also serves as a verb, indicating the act of incurring a charge or causing a loss. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cost" is a versatile term with dual functions as a noun and verb, widely used to quantify resources or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across many contexts. As a noun, it represents the expenditure of money, time, or effort, whereas as a verb, it signifies the action of incurring a charge or causing a loss. Its frequent appearance in sources like The Guardian, The Economist, and The New York Times highlights its relevance in both news and formal business contexts. It is important to use "cost" precisely, differentiating it from related terms like "price" and "investment", to ensure clarity in communication. Therefore, understanding the nuances of "cost" is essential for both effective writing and informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

price

Focuses specifically on the monetary value or amount required for a purchase or transaction.

expense

Emphasizes the money spent, particularly in relation to a specific activity or project.

expenditure

Highlights the act of spending resources, often in a formal or accounting context.

charge

Refers to the amount asked for a service or item, often implying a formal transaction.

fee

Specifies a payment for professional services or access to something.

tariff

Indicates a duty or tax imposed on imported or exported goods.

toll

Implies a charge for passage or use, often related to infrastructure.

worth

Indicates the value or merit of something, not necessarily in monetary terms.

value

Highlights the importance or usefulness of something.

investment

Implies the commitment of resources with the expectation of future benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "cost" in a sentence?

You can use "cost" as a noun, referring to the amount of money, time, or effort required for something. Example: "The "cost" of the project was higher than expected." You can also use "cost" as a verb, meaning to require payment or to cause loss. Example: "The mistake will "cost" them dearly."

What are some synonyms for "cost"?

Synonyms for "cost" include "price", "expense", "expenditure", and "charge", depending on the specific context. Use "price" when referring to the monetary value, and "expense" or "expenditure" when referring to the broader financial implications.

What is the difference between "cost" and "investment"?

"Cost" generally refers to an expense or outlay of resources, while "investment" implies that the resources are being allocated with the expectation of future returns or benefits. An "investment" is a type of "cost", but it is specifically intended to generate future value.

When is it appropriate to use "cost" to describe something negative?

You can use "cost" to describe something negative when referring to the negative consequences or losses associated with an action or decision. For example, "The war "cost" many lives." In this context, "cost" signifies the detrimental impact or sacrifice made.