costly expense

USAGE SUMMARY

"costly expense" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an expensive cost or expenditure. For example: "The costly expense of the new office supplies was worth it in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"There are a number of succession proposals that are before the Legislature that can be adopted without the costly expense of a constitutional convention," Mr. Silver told reporters recently.

The New York Times

Even as the three towers sit vacant on Prospect Place near Saratoga Avenue, they continue to be a costly expense for the cash-strapped authority, which has paid a security firm $25,000 a month since 2005 to keep watch over the buildings.

The New York Times

Hay waste during feeding represents a costly expense for horse owners.

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

Harriss' fund is so tiny and costly (expense ratio, 2%) that you probably don't want to own it.

Forbes

Lack of natural stone and costly expense of purchasing high-quality aggregate promote the utilization of steel slag.

Construction and Building Materials

Up to $1,500 in Savings Another costly expense for newborns is baby formula.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Such costly expenses were being reined in before the firm's collapse.

The New York Times

Child care is one of the most costly expenses for American households.

The Guardian - Money

The campaign raised funds through "the most wonderful fans" to pay for the costly expenses of Jean's legal battle.

The Guardian - Music

According to Fig. 8c, d), considering costly expenses of generation, the boiler is less involved in supplying thermal demand, as compared to CHP units.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Introduction: The idea of a non-invasive method of measuring intracranial pressure (ICP) is captivating, as disadvantages seen in relation to the invasive methods of ICP measuring, that is, hemorrhage, infection, and costly expenses are avoidable.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "costly expense" is acceptable, consider if using just one of the words, "costly" or "expense", would suffice for clarity and conciseness. Redundancy can sometimes weaken your writing.

Common error

In formal writing, be mindful of the potential redundancy of "costly expense". Opt for more precise and impactful language like "high cost" or "significant expenditure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "costly expense" functions as a descriptor, highlighting the financial aspect of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It's often used to emphasize the significant financial burden or outlay involved, which can be observed in examples across news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "costly expense" is grammatically sound, though somewhat redundant. According to Ludwig AI, it's acceptable for use in written English to describe something that involves a significant financial cost. While it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and business, it is less common than alternatives like "high cost" or "significant expenditure". When using "costly expense", consider whether greater conciseness could be achieved by using just one of the words, "costly" or "expense". Finally, authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes provide examples of its use in real-world contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant cost

Replaces "expense" with "cost", emphasizing the unusually high amount.

high expenditure

Uses a more formal term, "expenditure", to denote spending a large amount of money.

prohibitive price

Shifts focus to the price, indicating it is so high it prevents purchase or participation.

substantial outlay

Highlights the significant amount of money that must be paid out.

significant financial burden

Emphasizes the impact on one's finances, suggesting a heavy load to bear.

expensive undertaking

Frames it as an activity or project that requires a lot of money.

pricey venture

Similar to "expensive undertaking" but slightly less formal.

lavish spending

Implies that the money is spent freely and perhaps unnecessarily.

premium investment

Positions the expense as an investment, but at a higher price point.

considerable financial commitment

Focuses on the long-term financial aspect and obligation.

FAQs

Is "costly expense" redundant?

Yes, "costly" and "expense" both refer to monetary cost, making the phrase somewhat redundant. However, its usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

What are some alternatives to "costly expense"?

Alternatives include "high cost", "significant expenditure", or "prohibitive price" depending on the context.

How can I make my writing more concise when using "costly expense"?

Consider using just "costly" or "expense" if the context makes the meaning clear. For instance, instead of "the costly expense of repairs", you could say "the costly repairs" or "the expense of repairs".

In what contexts is "costly expense" most appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "costly expense" is suitable for general use. For formal or business writing, more precise terms like "high cost" or "significant expenditure" may be preferable.