cost and difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cost and difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the financial implications and challenges associated with a particular task or decision. Example: "When considering the new project, we must evaluate both the cost and difficulty involved in its execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cost and difficulty of dealing with AIDS rises with each passing month.

The New York Times

Nor did anyone anticipate the cost and difficulty of the reorganization, current and former executives said.

The New York Times

So the cost and difficulty of traveling to Mars would be reduced.

The New York Times - Science

That raised the barrier to entry, in cost and difficulty, to challengers.

The New York Times

He ended up shooting the scene, at great cost and difficulty, but it did not get into the film.

The New York Times

If people come they tend to stay, because the cost and difficulty of crossing the border have increased so steeply.

The Economist

Another reason fast-casual restaurants must carefully navigate their expansion is the high cost and difficulty of providing far-flung locations with fresh products.

The New York Times

And given the length, cost and difficulty of conducting the needed studies, chances are that these other antioxidants will never be properly investigated.

The New York Times

The only drawback is the high cost and difficulty of finding a hotel, and the trek from downtown to the circuit, which is far outside town.

The New York Times - Sports

More than 60percentt of the city's bridges are structurally deficient; more than 60percentt of our roads and bridges are constantly congested, adding to the cost and difficulty of repairs.

The New York Times

But, he said, the restrictions have a comparatively modest but nevertheless real benefit: they increase the cost and difficulty for Iranian elites of doing business, providing an incentive for the country's leaders to negotiate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cost and difficulty", ensure you specify what activity or process you are referring to. Providing context improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "cost and difficulty" without specifying what is costing and what is difficult. Vague references can confuse your audience. Be specific about the challenges and expenses involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cost and difficulty" functions as a noun phrase used to describe the challenges and expenses associated with a task, project, or situation. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is valid and widely used in written English to convey combined financial and practical obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cost and difficulty" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the financial and practical burdens associated with a task or situation. As Ludwig confirms, its widespread use spans various contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase is versatile and can be found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While alternatives like "expense and challenge" or "price and complexity" exist, "cost and difficulty" succinctly conveys the dual burden of financial expense and practical challenges. When using the phrase, be sure to specify the subject to which the cost and difficulty apply for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expense and challenge

Replaces "cost" with "expense" emphasizing the financial burden, and "difficulty" with "challenge", focusing on the demanding nature of the task.

price and complexity

Substitutes "cost" with "price", highlighting the monetary value, and "difficulty" with "complexity", emphasizing the intricate nature of the issue.

financial burden and complexity

More explicitly describes the "cost" as a "financial burden" while retaining "complexity" to convey the intricate nature of the difficulty.

economic strain and hardship

Focuses on the economic impact of the "cost" and uses "hardship" to highlight the adverse conditions resulting from the difficulty.

resource intensity and intricacy

Replaces "cost" with "resource intensity", which relates to the amount of resources needed. "Difficulty" is swapped for intricacy which refers to the complexity of the activity.

fiscal implications and obstacles

Reframes "cost" as "fiscal implications" for a formal tone and replaces "difficulty" with "obstacles", emphasizing impediments or barriers.

monetary outlay and laboriousness

Presents "cost" as "monetary outlay", stressing the expenditure, and replaces "difficulty" with "laboriousness", focusing on the effort required.

capital expenditure and complexity

Capital expenditure emphasizes the investment aspect of "cost", while retaining "complexity" to highlight the intricate nature of the challenges.

investment and the degree of complexity

Substitutes "cost" with "investment", framing it as a resource allocation, and replaces "difficulty" with "the degree of complexity" emphasizing level of difficulty.

economic disadvantage and challenges

Reinterprets "cost" as "economic disadvantage", focusing on financial drawbacks, and replaces "difficulty" with "challenges", emphasizing the testing nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "cost and difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "cost and difficulty" to describe the challenges and expenses associated with a particular task or project. For example: "The "cost and difficulty" of implementing the new software were higher than expected."

What are some alternatives to "cost and difficulty"?

Alternatives to "cost and difficulty" include "expense and challenge", "price and complexity", or "financial burden and complexity" depending on the context.

How does "cost and difficulty" differ from "ease and affordability"?

"Cost and difficulty" highlights the challenges and expenses involved, while "ease and affordability" focuses on the simplicity and low price of something. They are essentially opposites.

Is it redundant to use both "cost" and "difficulty" in the same phrase?

No, it's not redundant. "Cost" refers to the financial aspect, while "difficulty" refers to the challenges and complexities involved. Using both provides a more comprehensive understanding of the overall burden.