cost money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cost money' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in the context of something being expensive or requiring money to purchase. For example, "Good quality furniture usually costs money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These things cost money.

The New Yorker

But those cost money.

The New York Times - Tech

Yes, it'll cost money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bullets cost money.

The New Yorker

And specialists cost money.

The New York Times - Health

Good things cost money.

The Guardian

Mistakes cost money.

The New York Times

These improvements cost money.

The New York Times

This will cost money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Journalism costs money.

The New Yorker

The program costs money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cost money", be specific about what is incurring the cost to provide clarity to your reader. For example, instead of saying "That will cost money", specify "That project will cost money to complete the necessary renovations".

Common error

Avoid using "cost money" without a clear subject. Statements like "It costs money" can be confusing. Specify what "it" refers to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cost money" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something requires an expenditure of funds. It is commonly used to express the financial implications of an action, purchase, or investment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cost money" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something requires financial resources. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, clarity is crucial; specifying what incurs the cost enhances understanding. Alternatives like "require payment" or "entail expenses" offer similar meanings, enriching expression. In essence, "cost money" serves as a straightforward way to address the financial aspect of a subject, a point well-supported by its frequent appearance in diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require payment

Focuses on the necessity of payment.

entail expenses

Highlights the involvement of expenses.

incur charges

Emphasizes the act of accumulating charges.

demand funds

Stresses the need for financial resources.

necessitate investment

Points out the requirement for an investment.

carry a price tag

Implies a specific cost is associated.

come at a price

Highlights that there's a sacrifice involved.

call for expenditure

Emphasizes the need for spending.

represent an outlay

Focuses on the disbursement of funds.

involve financial commitment

Highlights the need for a financial obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use "cost money" to indicate that something requires an expenditure of funds. For example, "Renovating the house will "cost money"".

What are some alternatives to saying "cost money"?

Alternatives include phrases like "require payment", "entail expenses", or "incur charges", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "costs money" instead of "cost money"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "costs money" for singular subjects (e.g., "This car costs money") and "cost money" for plural subjects or general statements (e.g., "Repairs cost money").

What's the difference between ""cost money"" and "worth money"?

"Cost money" indicates an expense or expenditure is required. "Worth money" indicates that something has a monetary value or is valuable.