expensive cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expensive cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about the price of something that is very high. For example, "The repairs to my car had an expensive cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most expensive cost $1,810.

The New York Times

Our neighbors are disenchanted with our traffic, high taxes and expensive cost of living".

The New York Times

"The final mile is the most expensive cost per pound or cost per piece," he said.

The New York Times

They've been priced to make a return on an expensive cost base".

The New York Times

While it is true that expeditions can be expensive, cost doesn't need to be a barrier.

The Guardian

Best of all, these wines, at their most expensive, cost less than run-of-the-mill chardonnays.

The New York Times - Food

Would adding a tax to the already expensive cost of pet care make anyone more likely to keep an animal?

The New York Times

However, they are available in smaller increments – the least expensive cost as little as $25 – and often offer higher interest rates.

The Guardian

A report of my university's expenditure for the last academic year shows how staff salaries are by far the most expensive cost, which will be the same for most institutions.

The Guardian

"They're in a tough position because they're trying to support a very expensive cost structure, they're trying to develop, and they're battling against the Yahoo's and AOL's, who are doing it better and have more access to capital and opportunities".

The New York Times

She deplores the "eye-poppingly expensive" cost of private residential childcare – yet an average council-run children's home placement costs £2,767 a week compared to £2,472 in the private and voluntary sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing expenses, consider replacing "cost" with more specific terms like "price", "fee", or "expenditure" to provide greater clarity.

Common error

While "expensive cost" is grammatically correct, it can be seen as redundant. Try using just "high cost" or "expensive price" instead, or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive cost" functions as a noun phrase acting as a description. It describes something that requires a significant financial outlay. While grammatically sound, it's often considered redundant since "expensive" already implies cost, as Ludwig AI states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expensive cost" is grammatically correct but often considered redundant. While technically usable, it is advisable to consider more concise alternatives like "high cost" or simply "expensive". Analysis of numerous examples reveals that "expensive cost" is commonly found in both news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, while also implying a slight redundancy in its usage. When employing this phrase, consider if the emphasis on both the expensiveness and the aspect of it being a cost is necessary for your intended message. If not, a simpler phrasing might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high price tag

Emphasizes the expensive nature by highlighting the price label itself.

hefty price

Highlights the largeness of the price, implying a significant financial burden.

substantial expense

Replaces "cost" with "expense" and uses "substantial" to convey the high amount.

considerable outlay

Uses a more formal term, "outlay", to describe the expense and "considerable" to emphasize its size.

significant expenditure

Replaces "cost" with "expenditure", highlighting the act of spending a significant amount.

prohibitive price

Indicates that the price is so high it prevents purchase or use.

exorbitant fee

Highlights the excessive nature of the fee.

premium price

Implies a high price due to superior quality or exclusivity.

large investment

Focuses on the financial resources required, portraying it as a significant investment.

considerable financial burden

Emphasizes the strain on financial resources due to the cost.

FAQs

How can I use "expensive cost" in a sentence?

You can use "expensive cost" to describe something that has a high price. For example: "The repairs to my car had an "expensive cost".

Is "expensive cost" redundant?

While grammatically correct, "expensive cost" can be considered somewhat redundant. Using just "high cost" or "expensive price" might be more concise.

What are some alternatives to "expensive cost"?

Consider using alternatives like "high price tag", "hefty price", or "substantial expense" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "expensive cost"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize both the expensiveness and the aspect of it being a cost. However, in most cases, simply using "expensive" or "high cost" will suffice.