impose a cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"impose a cost" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to make someone or something incur an expense or financial burden. Example: The government's decision to impose a cost on businesses for using plastic bags has led to a decrease in their usage and helped improve the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences has calculated that premature deaths attributed to co-pollutant emissions from fossil fuel combustion impose a cost of $120 billion a year in the United States, while Taylor and Boyce find that the co-pollutants result in the deaths of thousands per year.

Huffington Post

And all impose a cost on honest shoppers.

The Economist

Buyers of fakes therefore impose a cost on people who want to buy the real thing.

The Economist

The mandatory arrest laws were intended to impose a cost on abusers.

The New York Times

That will impose a cost on industry and it has to mean costs to consumers.

The Guardian

Fiscal-stimulus schemes impose a cost on all taxpayers, even those well placed to endure a downturn.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

You're imposing a cost on them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wisconsin imposes a cost only on those found guilty, Wis.Stat.

Cornell University

Hardware redundancy imposes a cost and payload penalty.

Control Engineering Practice

We are united in imposing a cost on Russia for its actions so far.

The Guardian

A taxation scheme imposes a cost on every possible assignment an agent can make.

Artificial Intelligence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose a cost", consider the nature of the cost (financial, emotional, environmental) to ensure your language accurately reflects the burden being placed.

Common error

Avoid using "impose a cost" solely in financial contexts. While often related to money, "cost" can also refer to other burdens like time, effort, or emotional distress. Be specific about the type of cost being imposed to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose a cost" functions as a verb phrase, where "impose" is the verb and "a cost" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes the act of causing someone or something to bear an expense or burden.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impose a cost" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of causing someone or something to bear a burden or expense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific type of cost being imposed, whether it's financial, environmental, or social. Alternatives such as "levy a charge" or "place a burden" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place a burden

This alternative emphasizes the onerous nature of the cost.

levy a charge

This alternative focuses on the act of officially charging a fee or tax.

put under financial strain

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty caused by the cost.

incur an expense

This alternative highlights the act of experiencing a cost.

subject to a penalty

This alternative specifies the cost as a punitive measure.

exact a toll

This alternative implies a significant or damaging cost.

drive up the price

This alternative focuses on increasing the price of something.

bring about expenditure

This alternative is more formal and highlights the creation of spending.

inflict a financial obligation

This alternative implies a formal imposition of a financial duty.

render liable for payment

This alternative is extremely formal and legally oriented, focusing on financial responsibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "impose a cost" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "levy a charge", "place a burden", or "incur an expense" to replace "impose a cost".

What does it mean to "impose a cost" on something?

To "impose a cost" on something means to make it subject to an expense or burden, which can be financial, environmental, or social.

Is there a difference between "impose a cost" and "impose a tax"?

Yes, "impose a tax" specifically refers to a mandatory financial contribution levied by a government. "Impose a cost" is broader and can refer to any kind of burden or expense, not just taxes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "impose a cost"?

It's appropriate to use "impose a cost" when describing actions or policies that lead to negative consequences or burdens for individuals, organizations, or the environment.