heavy cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to the high expense of anything. For example, you might say "The renovations came with a heavy cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This heavy cost is entirely unnecessary.

The New York Times

But there is a heavy cost.

The Economist

It produced some gains at a heavy cost in lives.

The New York Times

"This adjustment has had a heavy cost," Mr. Constâncio said.

The New York Times

It is a heavy cost, but there is no alternative.

The Economist

We know too well the heavy cost of this war.

The New York Times

That performance has come at a heavy cost.

The New York Times

But the ground gained came at a heavy cost.

The Guardian

Genuflect and get in line – or pay the heavy cost.

The Guardian - Opinion

The final battles came at a heavy cost.

The Guardian

Progress has come at a heavy cost in lives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy cost" to emphasize not just monetary expenses but also significant consequences like loss of lives, opportunities, or environmental damage. It adds emotional weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy cost" solely for financial implications. It's most effective when highlighting a broader range of negative impacts that include, but are not limited to, monetary losses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition to denote a significant negative consequence or expense. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heavy cost" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote significant negative repercussions or expenses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for diverse contexts, from news reports to business analyses. Its function is to underscore the substantial impact of events or decisions, often encompassing not only monetary implications but also broader consequences like loss of life or environmental damage. While "heavy cost" is frequently observed in news and media sources, its use extends to formal business communications and scientific discussions, affirming its relevance across a range of professional registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high price

Focuses on the monetary or figurative expense involved.

significant expense

Emphasizes the financial burden or outlay.

considerable burden

Highlights the weight or difficulty associated with something.

steep toll

Suggests a loss or negative impact resulting from an action or event.

major sacrifice

Indicates a significant loss or compromise made to achieve something.

great disadvantage

Focuses on the unfavorable outcome or drawback.

severe consequence

Highlights the negative repercussions of a decision or action.

substantial penalty

Emphasizes the punishment or negative outcome imposed.

major downside

Focuses on the negative aspects or drawbacks.

bitter aftermath

Highlights the unpleasant or undesirable results that follow an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy cost" to describe significant negative consequences or expenses. For example, "The war came at a "heavy cost" in lives and resources."

What are some alternatives to "heavy cost"?

Some alternatives include "high price", "significant expense", or "steep toll", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "heavy cost" in formal writing?

Yes, "heavy cost" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious consequences or significant investments with substantial implications. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "heavy cost" and "heavy price"?

While similar, "heavy cost" often implies a broader range of consequences beyond just monetary value, whereas "heavy price" may more directly suggest a financial or material sacrifice. Consider the subtle difference in connotation when choosing between "heavy cost" and "heavy price".