cost effective

USAGE SUMMARY

"cost effective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that produces good results while keeping expenses low. For example, "The new marketing plan proved to be a very cost effective strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This can be cost effective".

The New York Times

"It's very cost effective".

The New York Times

It is more cost effective.

The New York Times

They're also more cost effective.

The Guardian

Sometimes, leasing is cost effective.

The New York Times

But is it cost effective?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Explore the cost- effective possibilities.

WikiHow

Recommended cost-effective energy modifications.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are extraordinarily cost-effective.

The New York Times

It is very cost-effective".

Independent

Bluetooth is very cost-effective".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing solutions or strategies, use "cost effective" to highlight both the positive outcomes and the efficient use of resources. This shows a balanced approach to achieving goals without overspending.

Common error

Avoid using "cost effective" when you simply mean something is inexpensive. "Cost effective" implies that the benefits outweigh the costs, not just that the price is low. A very cheap product may not be "cost effective" if it breaks easily or doesn't perform well.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cost effective" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that provides good value or benefit relative to its cost. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it qualifies various strategies, solutions, and products.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cost effective" is a widely used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that describes something providing good value for money. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples from authoritative sources, shows its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. The phrase implies that the benefits outweigh the costs, making it a strong indicator of a worthwhile choice. While sometimes confused with "cheap", it's crucial to remember that "cost effective" emphasizes value, not just low price. For conveying similar ideas, alternatives like "economical" or "efficient" can be used, but "cost effective" remains a versatile and reliable way to express the balance between expense and outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

economical

Focuses more on avoiding waste and careful management of resources.

budget-friendly

Highlights affordability and suitability for limited budgets.

efficient

Emphasizes the optimal use of resources to minimize waste and maximize output.

thrifty

Implies careful spending and avoidance of unnecessary expenses.

value-added

Focuses on the benefits and advantages gained relative to the cost.

affordable

Stresses the accessibility of something due to its reasonable price.

low-cost

Directly refers to the minimal expense involved.

economically sound

Emphasizes the financial wisdom and stability of a decision or investment.

operationally efficient

Highlights the streamlined processes and resource optimization within an operation.

resourceful

Focuses on clever and inventive ways to minimize costs and maximize outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "cost effective" to describe a solution, strategy, or product that provides good value for the money spent. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is a "cost effective" way to reduce carbon emissions in the long term".

What is a good alternative to "cost effective"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "economical", "budget-friendly", or "efficient" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

Is "cost effective" the same as "cheap"?

No, "cost effective" implies that the benefits are worth the expense, while "cheap" simply means low in price. Something can be cheap without being "cost effective" if it doesn't provide sufficient value or breaks down quickly.

Which is correct, "cost effective" or "economical"?

Both "cost effective" and "economical" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Cost effective" emphasizes the relationship between cost and benefit, while "economical" focuses on avoiding waste and being thrifty.