high operating costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high operating costs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the expenses associated with running a business or organization, particularly in financial or economic contexts. Example: "The company's decision to downsize was largely influenced by the high operating costs that were affecting profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Business

Economics

Finance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, many Broadway musicals remain troubled because of their high operating costs.

The New York Times

But some analysts said high operating costs limit how far fee cuts can go.

The New York Times

(The ship was constructed but was mothballed after eight years, owing to high operating costs).

The New Yorker

The Boston and Maine Railroad was burdened with high operating costs and unprofitable lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It will continue to require costly improvements and has high operating costs.

The New York Times

What has held back the technology in North America is high operating costs.

MIT Technology Review

But by the mid-1990's, Jacadi was insolvent, squeezed between high operating costs and fierce competition.

The New York Times

Among the potential disadvantages, high operating costs, infrastructural requirements and ethical concerns should be considered.

Zoology

Nonetheless, high operating costs have forced the Met to make aggressive withdrawals from its $253 million endowment.

The New York Times - Arts

State officials knew, he said, that "Oyster Creek would be a tough sell" because of its high operating costs.

The New York Times

The museum, saddled with high operating costs and flat attendance, wanted a tenant that could pay more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial performance, quantify "high operating costs" with specific figures or benchmarks to provide context. For example, instead of saying 'The company suffered from high operating costs', specify 'The company's operating costs were 15% above the industry average, impacting profitability'.

Common error

Avoid attributing "high operating costs" to a single factor without thorough analysis. Investigate multiple cost drivers like labor, materials, energy, and inefficient processes to identify the primary contributors and develop targeted solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high operating costs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It typically serves as the subject or object in a sentence, describing a significant financial aspect of a business or organization. It's a descriptive term indicating the magnitude of expenses related to running operations, as shown in numerous Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high operating costs" is a very common and grammatically correct term used to describe significant expenses in running a business or organization. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a standard phrase. It primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to explain financial challenges, strategic decisions, or market vulnerabilities. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, quantify the costs or provide context to enhance clarity. Avoid oversimplifying the causes of high costs, and investigate all drivers for a better solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Elevated running costs

Replaces "operating" with "running" and "high" with "elevated", focusing on the ongoing expenses.

Increased overhead expenses

Substitutes "operating costs" with "overhead expenses", specifying a type of operational expense.

Considerable operational expenses

Uses "considerable" to quantify operational expenses, stressing the magnitude of the costs.

Costly operational expenditures

Replaces "high" with "costly" and "costs" with "expenditures", emphasizing the financial burden of operations.

Substantial maintenance fees

Specifies "maintenance fees" as a component of operating costs, highlighting upkeep expenses.

Prohibitive operational costs

Emphasizes that the "operational costs" are so "high" that they may prevent business activity.

Expensive business operations

Focuses on the cost of "business operations", changing the structure of the phrase.

Excessive outlays for operations

Replaces "costs" with "outlays", highlighting the money spent on operations.

Soaring overheads

Uses "soaring" to describe rapidly increasing overhead costs, implying a financial challenge.

Unfavorable cost structure

Highlights a negative cost situation without explicitly mentioning high costs.

FAQs

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

You can use "high operating costs" to explain financial difficulties or strategic decisions. For example: "The company's decision to automate was driven by "high operating costs"".

What are some alternatives to saying "high operating costs"?

Alternatives include "elevated running costs", "increased overhead expenses", or "costly operational expenditures" depending on the specific context.

What factors typically contribute to "high operating costs"?

Factors can include inefficient processes, high labor costs, expensive raw materials, outdated technology, or regulatory compliance expenses.

Why is it important to address "high operating costs" in a business?

Addressing "high operating costs" is crucial for improving profitability, maintaining competitiveness, and ensuring long-term financial stability. Reducing these costs can free up resources for investment and growth.