cost less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cost less than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to compare the relative costs of two or more items. For example, "This laptop costs less than the one I was looking at yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Total cost: Less than $40.

The New York Times

The intervention cost less than $90.

The New York Times

LED bulbs now cost less than $10.

The New York Times - Tech

They typically cost less than $50.

The New York Times

Netbooks generally cost less than $500.

The Economist

Total wedding cost: less than $2,500.

The New York Times

Hybrids cost less than most electric models.

The New York Times

Some cost less than $20.

The New York Times

It cost less than $2.

The New York Times - Tech

The current prototypes cost less than $10 each.

The New York Times - Science

It should cost less than $300.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the cost of two items, be specific about what is included in the price. For example, specify if the price includes taxes, shipping, or installation fees. Use "cost less than" to clearly show one item's financial advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "cost less than" when comparing something that is not directly quantifiable in monetary terms. For instance, don't say "Effort costs less than dedication". Instead, use a different comparative phrase such as 'requires less' or 'demands fewer resources'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cost less than" functions as a comparative phrase, primarily used to indicate that the price of one item or service is lower than that of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cost less than" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate a price difference between two items or services. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, business, and general discussions about pricing. While versatile, ensure the comparison is clear and the units being compared are well-defined. Be cautious when comparing things that aren't easily quantifiable with money, and consider using alternative phrases. With a high expert rating, "cost less than" remains a reliable option for expressing value comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is cheaper than

Focuses on the comparative adjective "cheaper" to convey lower price.

is more affordable than

Emphasizes affordability rather than just cost, implying value for money.

is lower in price than

Rephrases "cost less" using "price" and a more formal structure.

is a better value than

Shifts focus to value, implying a combination of cost and benefits.

is discounted compared to

Highlights a reduction in price from a previous or standard price.

is more economical than

Suggests cost-effectiveness and wise use of resources.

represents a saving over

Focuses on the act of saving money compared to another option.

offers better savings than

Similar to represents a saving over but frames it as an offer.

is competitively priced against

Highlights that the price is intentionally set to be lower than competitors.

falls within a lower price bracket than

Indicates that the item is in a less expensive category.

FAQs

How do I use "cost less than" in a sentence?

You can use "cost less than" to compare the price of two or more items, for example: "This phone "costs less than" that tablet."

What's a synonym for "cost less than"?

Alternatives include "is cheaper than", "is more affordable than", or "is lower in price than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "cost less than" or "costs less than"?

The correct form depends on the subject of the sentence. Use "cost less than" with plural subjects (e.g., "These items cost less than those"), and "costs less than" with singular subjects (e.g., "This item costs less than that").

What's the difference between "cost less than" and "worth less than"?

"Cost less than" refers specifically to the monetary price of something. "Worth less than" refers to its overall value, which can include factors beyond just price. A used car might "cost less than" a new one, but not necessarily be "worth less than" if the used car has significant issues.