high cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that requires a significant amount of money or resources. Example: "The high cost of living in the city has made it difficult for many families to afford housing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

High cost of capital.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unconventional products = high cost.

Harvard Business Review

But sophistication came at a high cost.

The Economist

A high cost for a small pleasure.

The Economist

Will it be a high cost?

The New Yorker

We paid a high cost for that".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

All have been carrying unjustifiably high costs.

The Economist

They surely contribute to the high costs.

The Economist

High costs do not deter them.

The Economist

And bariatric surgery has high costs.

The Guardian

The high costs of malpractice insurance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "high cost", be specific about what contributes to the elevated expense. Quantify the cost if possible, and compare it to alternatives to emphasize its magnitude.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something has a "high cost" without explaining the consequences or trade-offs. Provide context and analyze the implications of the expense, such as reduced accessibility or the need for alternative solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes the characteristic of something being expensive or requiring significant resources. Ludwig indicates it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high cost" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression to denote something expensive. As indicated by Ludwig, it accurately describes situations involving significant expenditure and carries a neutral register. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its relevance in discussing economic and resource-related issues. While alternatives like "expensive price" or "considerable expense" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Effective use of "high cost" involves providing context and explaining the implications of the expense, and Ludwig's examples underline this point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expensive price

Focuses on the price aspect, emphasizing it is not affordable.

steep price

Emphasizes the sudden and substantial nature of the cost.

considerable expense

Highlights the significant level of financial outlay.

substantial outlay

Focuses on the amount of money spent.

prohibitive cost

Implies the cost is so high it prevents purchase or action.

exorbitant price

Suggests the price is unreasonably high and unfair.

premium price

Implies a higher price due to superior quality or exclusivity.

significant expenditure

Highlights the financial commitment involved.

large investment

Focuses on the cost as an investment with potential returns.

inflated cost

Suggests that the cost is artificially increased.

FAQs

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

You can use "high cost" to describe something expensive, such as "The "high cost" of living makes it difficult to save money" or "The project was abandoned due to its "high cost"".

What is a phrase with a similar meaning to "high cost"?

Alternatives to "high cost" include "expensive price", "steep price", or "considerable expense". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes something have a "high cost"?

A "high cost" can be attributed to various factors, such as scarcity of resources, specialized labor, advanced technology, or high demand. Always specify what factors leads to "high cost" for more clarity.

How does "high cost" influence decision-making?

A "high cost" often forces individuals or organizations to evaluate alternatives, prioritize needs, and consider long-term consequences. It can lead to seeking cheaper solutions or foregoing certain benefits.