incurs

USAGE SUMMARY

"incurs" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that means to become subject to or liable to (something, often an expense). For example, "The company incurred costs of $500 for the new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We tend to do better over West Coast teams because of the travel time the other team incurs, but I am not sure that with Agudelo's injury and Bengston having lost his confidence that we can grind out a victory over a team that is known for last minute heroics and exciting play.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, Emerson, an industrial conglomerate, incurs about 85% of its costs in the same region as the related goods are sold in.

The Economist

For instance, coffee that has been neither roasted nor decaffeinated enters the EU duty-free; decaffeinated and roasted, it incurs a tariff of 7.5%.

The Economist

In Beijing, the sale of a second home incurs a 20% capital-gains tax.

The Economist

But supporters of the law must honestly answer for and defend the costs that the law incurs.

The Economist

The downside is that the demand for instant access to content on the web incurs considerable hidden costs.

The Economist

In this case, even though they assume that securities can be traded cost-free, trade in the goods from which they are derived still incurs costs.

The Economist

Data, however, incurs no additional cost over domestic operations except for settlement fees.The high cost of roaming was brought home to your correspondent before a brief family trip to Vancouver, a few hours from Seattle.

The Economist

A seven-bedroom house in Kensington worth £13m incurs a £2,100 bill, scarcely more than is paid on many two-bedroom flats.

The Economist

Only one web-application can be loaded on to a computer at one time, and switching between applications incurs a penalty of five to seven minutes of downtime while the computer is reconfigured.Honeybees have a similar problem.

The Economist

Like the dozens of other independent video-sharing sites, it makes losses, incurs large costs from storing and delivering all those videos, and has no revenues to speak of.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incurs" when you want to emphasize that someone is becoming subject to a specific cost, expense, or consequence as a result of an action or situation. For instance, "The company incurs a penalty for late payment."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "incurs", which means to become subject to, with "incites", which means to provoke or encourage. For example, it's incorrect to say 'The speech incurs violence'; the correct phrasing is 'The speech incites violence'.

Linguistic Context

The word "incurs" functions as a transitive verb, indicating that someone or something becomes subject to a cost, expense, or consequence. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing the action of becoming liable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "incurs" signifies becoming subject to something, commonly an expense or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. As our analysis shows, "incurs" is very common, finding frequent use in news, scientific, and business contexts. Related phrases include "bears" and "becomes liable for". A common writing error involves confusing "incurs" with "incites". Overall, understanding when and how to use "incurs" correctly ensures precise communication regarding costs and consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes liable for

Specifically indicates legal responsibility or obligation for something.

sustains

Highlights the enduring or prolonged aspect of experiencing something, often a loss or damage.

bears

Focuses on enduring or carrying responsibility for something, rather than the act of becoming subject to it.

accrues

Specifically refers to the accumulation of something, such as interest or benefits, over time.

encounters

Suggests a chance meeting or experience, often unexpected, with a particular situation or cost.

draws

Implies a pulling in or causing a specific outcome or consequence.

experiences

Implies a personal engagement or undergoing of something, which can include costs or consequences.

attracts

Suggests that something draws or invites a particular consequence, often negative.

picks up

An informal way to say that someone acquires or experiences something, often unwanted.

falls heir to

Indicates inheriting or becoming responsible for something, often a problem or debt.

FAQs

How do you use "incurs" in a sentence?

The verb "incurs" is used to indicate that someone becomes subject to or liable for something, typically a cost or expense. For example, "The project incurs additional expenses due to unforeseen delays."

What's a good alternative to the word "incurs"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "bears", "sustains", or "becomes liable for" instead of "incurs".

Is it correct to say "incurs a fine" or "receives a fine"?

"Incurs a fine" is more appropriate because it emphasizes the action that leads to being subjected to the fine, whereas "receives a fine" simply indicates the act of getting the fine.

What is the difference between "incurs" and "causes"?

"Incurs" means to become subject to something as a result of one's actions, while "causes" means to be the reason for something happening. For example, "The error incurs a penalty" versus "The error causes a delay".