cover the expense

USAGE SUMMARY

"cover the expense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe how you will pay for a cost or fee. For example: "I will cover the expense of the new computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some insurance companies cover the expense, but many do not.

The New York Times

Lincoln Center can cover the expense of programs for a couple of hundred people.

The New York Times - Arts

First, Ms. Vintilla would have to cover the expense of disposing of the microwave.

The New York Times

My daughter approached their insurer, Covéa, to see if it would cover the expense.

Independent

But for some this support is not enough to cover the expense of their sport.

The Guardian - Money

I reaped 200 tonnes one year and I never got a dollar to cover the expense," he recalls.

The Guardian

The old legends relied on their talent but also on record companies to cover the expense of the studios.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is a naval facility, so it's not unusual for them to cover the expense," Mr. Scofield said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The money was just to cover the expenses we incurred".

The New York Times

"Most Hampton homes in my area rent out to cover the expenses for the year".

The New York Times

Because construction costs are growing, tolls could rise even faster to cover the expenses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about budgets or financial plans, use "cover the expense" to clearly indicate where funds will come from to meet specific costs.

Common error

Avoid using "cover the expense" interchangeably with phrases like "reduce the expense" or "eliminate the expense". "Cover" implies payment, while "reduce" and "eliminate" refer to cost management.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover the expense" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing sufficient funds to pay for a particular cost. Ludwig provides many examples of its use across different contexts. It clearly conveys financial responsibility and capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cover the expense" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of providing sufficient funds for a particular cost. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It sees frequent use in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While phrases like "meet the expense" and "shoulder the expense" serve as strong alternatives, it's important to use "cover the expense" when you specifically want to convey the idea of handling or paying for costs. This is particularly relevant in budgetary discussions or financial reports. This guidance aims to prevent confusion and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet the expense

Replaces "cover" with "meet", focusing on having enough resources rather than the act of paying.

shoulder the expense

Emphasizes bearing the burden of the expense.

take care of the expense

Focuses on handling or managing the expense.

be responsible for the expense

Highlights accountability for covering the cost.

bear the cost

Focuses on enduring or carrying the financial burden.

fund the expense

Highlights providing the necessary money for the expense.

defray the expense

Suggests reducing the burden of the expense through partial payment or contribution.

finance the expense

Focuses on providing financial resources, often through loans or investments.

absorb the expense

Indicates incorporating the expense into an existing budget or financial structure.

underwrite the expense

Suggests guaranteeing payment or taking on financial risk for the expense.

FAQs

How can I use "cover the expense" in a sentence?

You can use "cover the expense" to indicate that funds are available to pay for something, as in "The grant will "cover the expense" of the research project".

What's a more formal way to say "cover the expense"?

More formal alternatives include "defray the expense" or "underwrite the expense", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "cover the costs" instead of "cover the expense"?

Yes, "cover the costs" is a perfectly acceptable alternative and often used interchangeably with "cover the expense". Both phrases mean to provide enough money to pay for something.

What does it mean when something "doesn't cover the expense"?

It means that the income, budget, or funds available are not sufficient to pay for all the associated costs. For example, "The insurance policy "does not cover" all the expense of the surgery".