human cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "human cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the tangible or intangible costs to people associated with a certain action or event. For example, "The human cost of the war was immeasurable, with countless lives lost and families torn apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The human cost — that's it.

The New Yorker

The human cost is unacceptable.

The New York Times

It comes at a human cost".

The New Yorker

It has a huge human cost.

Independent

This can have a huge human cost.

The Economist

That process carries a large human cost.

The Economist

The human cost had risen.

The New York Times

But at what human cost?

The Guardian - Opinion

And no small human cost.

The New York Times

What about the human cost?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The human cost has been enormous".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing events like wars, disasters, or policy changes, use "human cost" to remind readers of the real-life impact on individuals and communities beyond statistics.

Common error

When discussing the "human cost", don't only focus on quantifiable losses such as deaths or injuries; also consider the less tangible but equally significant emotional and psychological impacts on those affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the negative consequences and sacrifices borne by individuals or groups as a result of particular actions or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "human cost" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the negative impact on people resulting from specific actions or events. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "human cost", remember to consider both the tangible and intangible impacts, going beyond mere statistics to acknowledge emotional and psychological dimensions. Alternatives like "human toll" or "loss of life" can be used for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human toll

A more concise way of expressing the negative impact on people, similar to "human cost".

loss of life

Focuses specifically on deaths resulting from an event or situation, a more direct and quantifiable impact.

price paid by individuals

Highlights what individuals have to endure or lose as a result of a particular situation.

toll on human lives

Emphasizes the negative impact and suffering inflicted on people.

suffering inflicted

Emphasizes the pain and distress caused to individuals or groups.

cost to human well-being

Focuses on the impact on health, happiness, and overall welfare.

emotional burden

Highlights the emotional suffering and psychological impact.

personal sacrifice

Highlights the sacrifices made by individuals, often in the context of war or other difficult situations.

impact on individuals

Broader term that refers to the effect on people, both positive and negative.

social consequences

Focuses on the broader societal effects, rather than individual suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "human cost" to describe the negative impact on people caused by a specific event or action. For example, "The "human cost" of the war was devastating".

What is a phrase similar to "human cost"?

Phrases similar to "human cost" include "human toll", "loss of life", and "toll on human lives". All these phrases refer to the negative consequences on people.

What does the term "human cost" usually refer to?

The term "human cost" generally refers to the negative impacts, including loss of life, suffering, and other hardships, experienced by people as a result of particular events, policies, or actions.

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

Yes, it is appropriate to use "human cost" in formal writing. The phrase is widely recognized and accepted in news, academic, and professional contexts.