deter at any expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deter at any expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the lengths one is willing to go to in order to prevent or discourage something from happening. Example: "The company decided to deter at any expense the potential risks associated with the new product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Tatum, he's a mean-spirited multiple loser pursuing self-glorification at any expense.

Huffington Post

The only thing I knew how to do was to continue getting high, at any expense.

Huffington Post

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Massey Energy has demonstrated a merciless coveting for coal at any expense.

Huffington Post

The play is for the big pay-day at almost any expense".

Huffington Post

Where a creditor might be deterred by the expense and hassle of pursuing assets held offshore, that isn't necessarily the case at home.

Forbes

Huffington takes her profit, but not at any real expense to her hosts.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can also use it for any expenses at age 65 without penalty.

Forbes

"The beach being lit up at night does not deter any activity.

The Guardian

Paine said America's basic military mission at present is to deter any possible agression by maintaining a credible deterrent.

The New Yorker

Both Chamberlain and Churchill fancied that the British air force would deter any enemy in the air, the British navy would defeat any enemy at sea, and the French Army would defeat any enemy armies on the continent.

University of California, Berkeley

At the end of the day what we need are mechanisms to deter excessive risk-taking at the expense of the taxpayer.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deter at any expense", ensure the context clearly justifies the willingness to incur significant costs or make sacrifices. The action being deterred should pose a substantial threat or risk.

Common error

Avoid using "deter at any expense" when the situation doesn't warrant such extreme measures. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider less forceful alternatives when the stakes are lower.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deter at any expense" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action should be carried out, emphasizing the determination to prevent something regardless of the cost. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deter at any expense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a strong commitment to preventing something, irrespective of the costs involved. While Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, its frequency is rare. Primarily found in news and media, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the stakes are genuinely high to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives such as ""prevent at all costs"" or ""stop at nothing to prevent"" can be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prevent at all costs

Emphasizes prevention as the primary goal, with cost being a secondary consideration.

Stop at nothing to prevent

Highlights the determination and lack of limitations in preventing something.

Prevent, no matter the sacrifice

Stresses that sacrifices will be made to achieve prevention.

Avert at any price

Focuses on averting a negative outcome, regardless of monetary or other costs.

Preclude by all means

Indicates the use of every available method to preclude something from happening.

Avoid by any means necessary

Suggests the use of any and all methods to avoid a particular outcome, even if unconventional or extreme.

Hinder at all hazards

Highlights the element of potential danger or risk undertaken to hinder something.

Repel at any sacrifice

Focuses on repelling or warding off something with the understanding that sacrifices may be required.

Discourage by any expedient

Indicates that any method or strategy, even if temporary or convenient, will be used to discourage something.

Obstruct regardless of consequence

Emphasizes the act of obstructing something, without concern for the potential consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "deter at any expense" in a sentence?

You can use "deter at any expense" to describe a situation where preventing something is so important that any cost or effort is justified. For example, "The government decided to deter at any expense the spread of misinformation during the election."

What are some alternatives to "deter at any expense"?

Alternatives include "prevent at all costs", "stop at nothing to prevent", or "avoid by any means necessary", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "deter at any expense"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the situation doesn't genuinely warrant extreme measures. Using it in trivial contexts can sound overly dramatic. Consider whether a less forceful phrase might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "deter at any expense" and "prevent at a high cost"?

While both phrases suggest that prevention is important, "deter at any expense" implies a willingness to incur unlimited costs, whereas "prevent at a high cost" suggests there is a limit, albeit a high one, to the acceptable expense.