Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
defray this cost
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "defray this cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reimbursement or covering of expenses incurred. Example: "The organization will defray this cost to ensure that all participants can attend the conference without financial burden."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The employers, in turn, take out large insurance policies to defray this cost of doing business in the developing world.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
And give us money: he bragged about how much he had gotten out of NATO, and said that the point of economic development in Afghanistan should be "to help defray the cost of this war to us".
News & Media
As the prime minister of Afghanistan has promised, we are going to participate in economic development to help defray the cost of this war to us.
News & Media
The government will offer subsidies to help defray the cost.
News & Media
Also missing are the requisite major sponsors to help defray the cost of the program.
News & Media
They are not at all intended to defray the cost of mobilization".
News & Media
Under his scheme, families would receive $5,000 to defray the cost of their health insurance.
News & Media
The federal government would require health insurance companies to help defray the cost.
News & Media
For the privilege, the Chinese orchestra helped defray the cost of the concert.
News & Media
The fees help defray the cost of maintaining an atomic-age hotel built for 1,000.
News & Media
The money would help defray the cost of rate hikes in excess of 10percentt.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "defray this cost" when you want to express that funds will be allocated to reduce or eliminate the financial burden of a particular expense. It's often used in formal or professional contexts.
Common error
Avoid using "defray this cost" when you mean to say that something will completely cover an expense. "Defray" implies partial coverage or offsetting, not full payment. If full payment is intended, consider using phrases like "cover the full cost" or "pay for this expense".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "defray this cost" functions as a verb phrase where "defray" is the verb and "this cost" is the direct object. It expresses the action of reducing or covering a specific expense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "defray this cost" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate the reduction or covering of a particular expense. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent across news, science and wiki contexts. Alternatives include "offset this expense" or "cover this charge", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, remember that "defray" typically implies partial coverage, and consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
offset this expense
This alternative uses "offset" instead of "defray", focusing on counterbalancing the expense.
cover this charge
This option uses "cover" and "charge" and suggests directly paying for the specific expense.
shoulder this cost
This alternative uses "shoulder", implying bearing or taking on the cost.
absorb this expenditure
This uses "absorb" to mean taking in or dealing with the expenditure without passing it on.
finance this cost
This suggests providing the funds to cover the cost, emphasizing the financial aspect.
reimburse this expense
This alternative implies repaying the cost after it has been incurred.
subsidize this cost
This suggests providing partial financial support to lower the cost.
underwrite this cost
This alternative implies guaranteeing funds to cover the cost, often used in a more formal context.
meet this cost
This means having enough resources to pay for the cost.
take care of this cost
This is a more informal way to say that the cost will be managed or paid.
FAQs
How can I use "defray this cost" in a sentence?
You can use "defray this cost" in sentences like: "The grant will help "defray this cost" of the project", or "The company offers subsidies to "defray this cost" for employees".
What are some alternatives to saying "defray this cost"?
Some alternatives to "defray this cost" include "offset this expense", "cover this charge", or "absorb this expenditure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "completely defray this cost"?
While not strictly incorrect, saying "completely "defray this cost"" might be redundant, as "defray" often implies a partial coverage. Consider using "cover the full cost" or "completely pay for this expense" for clarity.
What's the difference between "defray this cost" and "reimburse this expense"?
"Defray this cost" typically refers to providing funds in advance or during the process to alleviate the financial burden, while "reimburse this expense" implies repaying the cost after it has already been incurred. "Defraying" is proactive, and reimbursing is reactive.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested