determine the cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"determine the cost" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a process of gauging the monetary value of something. For example: "Before purchasing the item, we had to determine the cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Entree prices determine the cost of meals.

The New York Times

I determine the cost of manufacturing the goods.

The New York Times

Additional studies will be needed to determine the cost effectiveness of longer-term therapy.

The New York Times - Health

The museum is still doing feasibility studies to determine the cost of renovations and the direction the design will take.

The New York Times - Arts

One way to answer this question is to determine the cost of pollinating a crop with managed honeybees.

The New Yorker

Competing plans for formulas to determine the cost of providing a sound basic education are beginning to emerge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

To determine the cost-effectiveness of the previous appointment.

Atención Primaria

To determine the cost-effectiveness of nurse practitioners delivering transitional care.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

To determine the cost-effectiveness of laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Lima, Peru.

American Journal of Ophthalmology

To determine the cost-effectiveness of the MobileMums intervention.

BMJ Open

To determine the cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive SIJ fusion.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation or scientific papers, use "determine the cost" to clearly state the process of calculating expenses, ensuring precision and clarity in your reporting.

Common error

Avoid embedding "determine the cost" within overly complex sentences, as this can reduce clarity. Keep the phrase concise and directly related to the subject for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the cost" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a larger clause to describe an action of calculating or finding out the monetary value of something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine the cost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across a spectrum of contexts, from academic and scientific research to news reporting and general writing. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions primarily to describe the action of calculating or assessing expenses, serving an informative purpose. Its register is typically neutral to professional, fitting diverse communication styles. While source authority is strong, Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and appropriate usage. For clarity and impact, avoid overcomplicating sentence structures. Understanding its alternatives, like "calculate the expense" or "assess the price", allows for nuanced expression. By considering these aspects, writers can effectively employ "determine the cost" to convey information with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculate the expense

Focuses on the calculation aspect of the cost, implying a more quantitative approach.

assess the price

Highlights the evaluation of the price, suggesting a more judgmental or comparative analysis.

evaluate the expenditure

Emphasizes a thorough examination of the spending involved.

ascertain the outlay

Uses a more formal tone to indicate finding out the total amount of money spent.

quantify the charge

Focuses on expressing the cost in numerical terms.

figure out the pricing

Indicates a problem-solving approach to understanding the cost structure.

work out the rate

Implies a process of computation to find the applicable rate or fee.

judge the financial burden

Shifts the focus to evaluating the impact of the cost on a budget.

estimate the budget

Focuses on creating a projection of the costs involved.

pinpoint the expense

Suggests identifying a specific and often hidden cost.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the cost" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the cost" to describe the process of finding out how much something will be. For instance, "We need to "determine the cost" of the project before we begin."

What is a more formal alternative to "determine the cost"?

A more formal alternative could be "ascertain the expenditure". This alternative /s/ascertain+the+expenditure carries a more professional tone suitable for business or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "determine the price" instead of "determine the cost"?

Yes, using "determine the price" is perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable with "determine the cost". The best choice depends on the specific context, with "price" often referring to the amount a buyer pays, and "cost" encompassing the expense incurred by the seller or producer.

What's the difference between "estimate the cost" and "determine the cost"?

"Estimate the cost" implies making an approximate calculation, while ""determine the cost"" suggests finding the precise or finalized figure.