incur a cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incur a cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has caused or will cause an expense. For example, "If we go forward with this project, we will incur a cost of $5,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"The question is, Did the United Way incur a cost during the campaign?" Mr. Gallagher said.

The New York Times

Interspecific competition, in which both species incur a cost of the interaction between them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Standard maintenance should be free, but some support services may incur a cost.

Columbia University

To install a potential edge e ∈ E we incur a cost Fe to provide a positive capacity ae.

European Journal of Operational Research

On most sites, features such as a personalised url (without the use of a subdomain), extra bandwith or additional storage space usually incur a cost.

The Guardian - Money

"He also included two stamps from that time that were also in the bottle, so the finder would not incur a cost," Erdmann said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This would incur a cost-saving, but this cohort is small and comprises 2% of the entire group.

Diabetes Care

Mr. Obama's caution has incurred a cost.

The New York Times

But rolling-over incurs a cost.

The Guardian - Business

Disposing of this material often incurs a cost.

The New York Times

But being favored by fashion incurred a cost when Pop and Minimalism conquered the art world, in the early sixties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incur a cost", clearly specify what is causing the cost and, if possible, the nature or amount of the cost. For example: "Implementing the new software will "incur a cost" of $10,000".

Common error

Avoid using "incur a cost" without clarifying what that cost involves. Saying "The project will "incur a cost"" is less effective than specifying what kind of cost, such as labor, materials, or opportunity cost. Be specific to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incur a cost" functions as a verb phrase where "incur" is the verb indicating the action of becoming subject to something (a cost) and "a cost" is the noun phrase representing the expense or detriment being experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incur a cost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that an action, decision, or event will result in an expense or some form of negative consequence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

It's commonly found in news, academic writing, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "incur a cost", be specific about what is causing the expense or consequence to maintain clarity. Common synonyms include "bear an expense" and "shoulder a cost". The phrase is often used to evaluate financial implications or potential drawbacks of various actions or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear an expense

Replaces "cost" with "expense", emphasizing the financial aspect.

experience an expense

Similar to "bear an expense", but uses "experience" to indicate the occurrence of the expense.

shoulder a cost

Implies taking on the responsibility of a cost.

sustain a loss

Focuses on the negative outcome of incurring a cost, highlighting the loss incurred.

encounter an expenditure

More formal alternative, emphasizing the act of spending.

face a charge

Suggests being confronted with a cost, often in the form of a fee or tax.

be faced with an outlay

Uses "outlay" to specify a payment or expenditure.

be subject to a fee

Specifically indicates that a fee is imposed.

run up a bill

Implies accumulating a cost, often unintentionally or gradually.

take on a responsibility

Highlights the obligation associated with a cost.

FAQs

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

You can use "incur a cost" to indicate that something will cause an expense. For example, "Expanding the business will "incur a cost" in marketing and staffing".

What are some alternatives to "incur a cost"?

Some alternatives to "incur a cost" include "bear an expense", "shoulder a cost", or "sustain a loss", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "incur a cost" or "cause a cost"?

"Incur a cost" and "cause a cost" are similar, but "incur a cost" is more commonly used when referring to expenses, while "cause a cost" is used when the action directly results in costs. You could consider them as synonyms.

What is the difference between "incur a cost" and "pay a cost"?

"Incur a cost" refers to the act of accumulating an expense or negative consequence, while "pay a cost" refers to settling or suffering that expense or consequence. You "incur a cost" through a decision and "pay a cost" when you settle the cost or experience the negative consequence.