cost estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

"cost estimate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an estimation of the cost of a project, a product, or a course of action. For example: We need to submit a cost estimate for the project before the end of the week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They did not provide a cost estimate.

The New York Times

The bill has no cost estimate yet.

The New York Times

The cost estimate is $9.6 million.

The New York Times

No total cost estimate was available yesterday.

The New York Times

A spokesman declined to provide a cost estimate.

The New York Times

He said there was no cost estimate yet.

The New York Times

The new cost estimate has touched off a political furor.

The New York Times

Mr. Greenberg was unable to provide a cost estimate.

The New York Times

The cost estimate for the Abbott districts exceeds $7 billion.

The New York Times

Officials have not made a long-term cost estimate.

The New York Times

He declined to give a cost estimate for research and development.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "cost estimate", always specify the currency and include a margin of error or confidence interval to account for unforeseen expenses.

Common error

Avoid vague "cost estimates". Provide detailed breakdowns of costs, including labor, materials, and overhead, to improve accuracy and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cost estimate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It commonly identifies a predicted or approximated expense. As shown by Ludwig, it’s a standard term across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cost estimate" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an anticipated financial expense, which, according to Ludwig, is considered standard English. Its purpose is predominantly informative, providing stakeholders with predicted costs for projects or services. It is generally used in a neutral to professional register. Analysis of usage patterns shows its prevalence across news, media, and business domains. When using the phrase, specify the currency and include error margins for transparency. Ludwig AI confirms it as standard usage across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

projected cost

Highlights that the cost is anticipated or predicted for a project.

cost projection

Synonymous, but gives an element of future prediction for budgeting purposes.

estimated expenditure

Focuses on the estimated amount of money to be spent.

preliminary costing

Indicates an initial assessment of costs, often subject to change.

anticipated expense

Highlights that the expense is expected or anticipated.

budget projection

Focuses on projecting costs within a defined budget.

expense prediction

Emphasizes the act of predicting expenses, similar to an anticipation.

financial forecast

Broader term, including revenue and other financial aspects alongside costs.

price forecast

Specifically refers to forecasting prices, which can contribute to the overall cost.

approximate price

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the predicted price.

FAQs

How is a "cost estimate" typically used in project management?

A "cost estimate" is used to predict the financial resources needed to complete a project. It helps in budgeting, resource allocation, and decision-making. It's often refined as more information becomes available.

What's the difference between a "cost estimate" and a budget?

A "cost estimate" is a prediction of expenses, while a budget is an approved plan for spending that money. The "cost estimate" informs the budget, but the budget also incorporates strategic financial decisions.

What factors influence the accuracy of a "cost estimate"?

Factors such as the availability of data, the complexity of the project, and external economic conditions can impact the accuracy of a "cost estimate". More detailed planning and risk assessment lead to more reliable estimates.

What are some alternatives to using a "cost estimate"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "budget projection", "financial forecast", or "estimated expenditure". The best choice depends on the level of detail and formality required.