costly project

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "costly project" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project that requires a significant amount of financial resources or investment. Example: "The company decided to invest in a costly project to upgrade its technology infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

That was a costly project.

The New York Times

It abandoned the costly project as oil prices slumped.

The New York Times - Science

In 1993, the exchange abandoned a costly project to build a paperless share-settlement system.

The Economist

The NAO criticises the governing BBC Trust, saying it "applied limited challenge" on the costly project until 2012.

Independent

In 2005, SAIC overhauled CityTime's design, and city officials had to decide whether to continue with the costly project.

The New York Times

But to make this possible, a water tank would have to be moved, a more costly project.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In both cases, the solutions will entail costly projects.

The New York Times

Even costly projects do not stop pumping when the oil price falls.

The Economist

And solutions, they add, need not depend on long, costly projects.

The New York Times

We've let these admittedly costly projects go unaddressed for too long.

The New York Times

The standard FHA 203(k) loan is for more costly projects and structural renovations.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project as a "costly project", specify the aspects that make it expensive (e.g., materials, labor, technology) to provide context and justification.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a project is a "costly project" without providing specific figures or explaining the cost drivers. Always back up the claim with evidence or examples to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "costly project" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "costly" modifies the noun "project". This construction indicates that the project requires a substantial financial investment. Ludwig AI suggests this usage is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "costly project" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe undertakings with significant financial implications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. The phrase is particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its use in reporting on large-scale endeavors. When using this phrase, providing specific details about the costs involved is recommended for clarity and credibility. Related phrases such as ""expensive undertaking"" or ""high-priced venture"" offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expensive undertaking

Replaces "project" with "undertaking", emphasizing the effort and commitment involved; slightly more formal.

high-priced venture

Substitutes "costly" with "high-priced" and "project" with "venture", highlighting the financial investment and risk.

pricey endeavor

Uses "pricey" and "endeavor" for a slightly less formal tone than "costly project".

financially demanding initiative

More descriptive, specifying that the project demands significant financial resources.

resource-intensive operation

Focuses on the extensive resources required, not just financial.

big-budget program

Emphasizes the large budget allocated to the project.

significant investment

Highlights the monetary aspect and long-term benefits, downplaying the immediate costs.

major expenditure

Focuses on the spending aspect of the project, framing it as a substantial outlay of funds.

overpriced scheme

Adds a negative connotation, suggesting the project is not worth the cost.

unaffordable plan

Emphasizes the inability to meet the project's financial demands, suggesting it's beyond reach.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "costly project"?

Alternatives include "expensive undertaking", "high-priced venture", or "pricey endeavor", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

How can I use "costly project" in a sentence?

You might say, "The construction of the new stadium is a "costly project" that will require significant investment from taxpayers." or "The company decided to abandon the "costly project" due to budget constraints."

What makes a project a "costly project"?

Factors contributing to a "costly project" can include expensive materials, high labor costs, advanced technology requirements, extensive research and development, and unexpected delays or complications.

Is there a difference between a "costly project" and a "high-cost project"?

While very similar, "costly project" implies that the costs are substantial relative to the expected benefits or the available budget, whereas "high-cost project" simply denotes that the project has significant expenses, without necessarily implying that it's wasteful or unaffordable.