high costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high costs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expenses that are significantly elevated or above average in a particular context, such as business, economics, or personal finance. Example: "The high costs of living in urban areas often deter young families from moving to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

They're fleeing Manhattan because of high costs.

The New York Times - Arts

And bariatric surgery has high costs.

The Guardian

The high costs of malpractice insurance.

The New York Times

The high costs still trickle down.

The New Yorker

Ecuador's businesses are struggling against high costs.

The Economist

High costs of living and high living will come down.

The New Yorker

Both sides settled to avoid high costs of another investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

People often believe high costs mean high quality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "high costs", be specific about what contributes to those costs. Instead of simply stating "high costs", specify whether it's due to labor, materials, or other factors.

Common error

Avoid using "high costs" without explaining the specific consequences. Clarify whether the "high costs" lead to reduced profits, limited investment, or other tangible effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high costs" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "high" modifies the noun "costs". Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to describe elevated expenses. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high costs" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used expression to describe elevated expenses. As validated by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While it's generally neutral, it's important to provide context when using the phrase, specifying the reasons and consequences behind these "high costs". Alternatives like "expensive rates" or "substantial expenses" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expensive rates

Focuses on the elevated price or charge for a service or commodity.

substantial expenses

Emphasizes the considerable amount of money spent.

considerable expenditures

Highlights the significant amount of money expended, often in a formal context.

prohibitive prices

Indicates that prices are so high that they prevent purchase or participation.

escalated fees

Suggests that fees have increased, often unexpectedly.

inflated charges

Implies that charges are artificially high, possibly due to unfair practices.

exorbitant tariffs

Refers to excessively high taxes or duties, often in international trade.

major overheads

Highlights significant indirect costs or expenses in a business context.

steep outlays

Emphasizes the substantial initial investment or expenditure.

onerous financial burden

Focuses on the heavy financial weight or strain caused by expenses.

FAQs

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

You can use "high costs" to describe expenses that are significantly above average. For example: "The "high costs" of living in the city are a deterrent for many families."

What can I say instead of "high costs"?

You can use alternatives like "expensive rates", "substantial expenses", or "prohibitive prices" depending on the context.

What are some of the consequences of "high costs" on a business?

High costs can lead to reduced profitability, decreased competitiveness, limited investment in research and development, and potentially higher prices for consumers.

Are "high costs" always a negative factor?

Not necessarily. "High costs" can sometimes be associated with higher quality products or services, especially in sectors like healthcare or luxury goods. However, it's important to assess whether the benefits justify the increased expense.