covered the cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered the cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that has paid for an expense or financial obligation. Example: "The company covered the cost of the employee's training program to enhance their skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We covered the cost of her treatment.

The New York Times - Arts

Taxpayers, however, covered the cost of more than $100 million in highway and sewer projects.

The New York Times

It adds: "NLW Providerer sentiment suggests fee increases have generally not covered the cost of NLW.

The Guardian

Who covered the cost of the damage to individuals, businesses and public services?

The New York Times

My pay had not yet covered the cost of the uniform.

The New York Times

The donations, for example, covered the cost of wheelchair ramps at the home of Mr. Walczak.

The New York Times

That meant another insurance check that covered the cost of an equivalent used car.

The New York Times

It was the insurance policy that covered the cost in the end – not the BBC".

Independent

All were participants in a Southern California health plan that covered the cost of the shots.

The New York Times - Health

But Mr. Kerik said he had no idea who covered the cost.

The New York Times

Dr Cocker said in a typical E.ON bill last year around 50% covered the cost of energy, about 25% covered the cost of transporting and metering the energy, and operational running costs made up about 13%.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "covered the cost" is perfectly acceptable, using synonyms like "paid for" or "reimbursed the expenses" can add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who or what "covered the cost". Be direct and specify the responsible party to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered the cost" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something has paid for expenses. Ludwig's examples show it used to express how expenses for various things, from medical treatments to construction projects, were met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covered the cost" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates the payment of expenses. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as validated by Ludwig. While the phrase is most prevalent in the news and media, according to Ludwig's analysis, it can be used in diverse contexts. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "paid for" or "reimbursed the expenses" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paid for

Replaces "covered" with a more direct verb indicating payment.

reimbursed the expenses

Specifies that the cost was paid back, implying a prior expense.

bore the expense

A more formal way of saying "covered the cost", implying responsibility.

took care of the bill

A more informal way to express covering the cost, often used for smaller amounts.

financed the undertaking

Focuses on the financial aspect of supporting a project or activity.

defrayed the charges

A formal term suggesting that the costs were reduced or partially covered.

underwrote the venture

Implies a guarantee of financial support, especially for a business venture.

settled the account

Suggests that a financial obligation has been completely fulfilled.

assumed financial responsibility

Emphasizes the act of taking on the obligation to pay the cost.

Footed the bill

An idiomatic expression that directly indicates the act of paying the total cost.

FAQs

What does "covered the cost" mean?

The phrase "covered the cost" means that someone or something paid for the expenses associated with a particular item, service, or event.

What can I say instead of "covered the cost"?

You can use alternatives like "paid for", "reimbursed the expenses", or "bore the expense", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the insurance covered the cost"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "the insurance covered the cost" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an insurance policy paid for certain expenses.

How is "covered the cost" different from "offset the cost"?

"Covered the cost" implies that the entire expense was paid, whereas "offset the cost" suggests that only a portion of the expense was reduced or compensated.