cost free

USAGE SUMMARY

"cost free" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use the phrase when referring to something that does not require payment or does not have associated costs. For example, "The vegetable garden will provide cost free, fresh produce for the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Cost: Free or low cost.

The New York Times - Health

The cost: free, courtesy of the Town of Greenburgh.

The New York Times

Cost: Free, but if you're feeling generous, 5 euros.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet, it would not be a cost free process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cost: Free.

The New York Times - Travel

Approximate cost: Free.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's not cost-free, that.

Independent

But the program was not cost-free.

The New York Times

Not that the policy was cost-free.

The Economist

Constitutional rights are not cost-free.

The New York Times - Books

These are not cost-free operations".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cost free", ensure the context clearly indicates that no payment or financial burden is involved. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what is "cost free".

Common error

Avoid using "cost free" when you actually mean something is without bias or judgment. "Cost free" refers specifically to financial costs, while "value free" refers to objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cost free" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective, to describe something that does not incur any expenses or charges. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cost free" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that emphasizes the absence of financial burden or expense. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While "cost free" is generally appropriate for formal writing, alternatives like ""free of charge"" or ""at no cost"" may be preferred depending on the specific context. Remember that "cost free" specifically refers to financial costs, and should not be confused with concepts like "value free" which relates to objectivity or bias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free of charge

Emphasizes that no payment is required, highlighting the zero monetary cost.

without cost

Directly states the absence of any financial expenditure.

at no cost

Specifies that there is no financial burden associated with the item or service.

gratis

A more formal term indicating something is provided freely.

complimentary

Suggests an item or service is offered as a courtesy or bonus without charge.

free

A shorter, more common alternative emphasizing the lack of payment.

no-cost

A hyphenated alternative, emphasizing the absence of expense.

free of expense

States explicitly that there are no expenses involved.

unpaid

Focuses on the absence of payment, often implying a voluntary contribution.

without payment

Directly indicates the absence of any monetary transaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "cost free" to describe something that doesn't require any payment. For example: "The workshop is "free of charge"" or "This service is provided "at no cost" to you".

What are some alternatives to "cost free"?

Alternatives to "cost free" include "free of charge", "at no cost", or simply "free" depending on the context.

Is "cost free" the same as "free"?

While similar, "cost free" emphasizes the absence of financial expenditure more explicitly than just "free". "Free" can also imply freedom from constraints or obligations, while "cost free" focuses specifically on monetary considerations.

Can "cost free" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "cost free" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when clarity about the absence of financial cost is important. However, more formal alternatives like "gratis" may be preferred in some contexts.