Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is a cost of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is a cost of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something incurs an expense or is associated with a particular cost in a financial context. Example: "The delay in production is a cost of poor planning and miscommunication within the team."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
52 human-written examples
The Humane Society has since headed up the care of the chimpanzees, at what it says is a cost of about $30,000 a month.
News & Media
This is a cost of democracy.
News & Media
It is a cost of business.
News & Media
Q: What is a Cost of Attendance?
"I think publishing is a cost of research in the same way as buying a centrifuge is a cost of research," said Walport.
News & Media
"In aviation, simulation is a cost of doing business," Gaba said.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
8 human-written examples
For working people there is a cost-of-living crisis, and that squeeze on living standards is not only hitting family budgets – it has also led to a shortfall in tax revenues".
News & Media
Action by Labour against soaring energy bills is part of a wider strategy to highlight what it claims is a cost-of-living crisis that undermines Conservative boasts to have mended the economy.
News & Media
"For working people there is a cost-of-living crisis and that squeeze on living standards is not only hitting family budgets - it has also led to a shortfall in tax revenues".
News & Media
It includes several new tools, the best of which is a cost-of-purchase calculator.
News & Media
high performance is a cost-of-entry expectation in high-end cars.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "is a cost of", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what bears the cost and what the cost entails. For example: "The delay in production is a cost of poor planning and miscommunication within the team".
Common error
Avoid using "is a cost of" without clearly defining what exactly the cost relates to. Ambiguous phrasing can lead to confusion. For instance, instead of just saying "mistakes is a cost of", specify "mistakes is a cost of inexperience".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is a cost of" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it as an expense, consequence, or necessary sacrifice. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "is a cost of" is a versatile expression used to denote an expense, consequence, or necessary sacrifice associated with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. Its function as a predicate nominative links a subject to its resulting expense. To enhance clarity, avoid vague cost attribution and precisely define the affected subject. Alternatives include "entails a cost of" and "incurs a cost of". While often implying negative impacts, the phrase can also represent necessary sacrifices for positive outcomes. For instance, “the environmental damage is a cost of rapid industrialization” effectively illustrates the phrase's function and purpose.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
entails a cost of
Replaces "is" with "entails", emphasizing that something involves a cost.
incurs a cost of
Substitutes "is" with "incurs", highlighting the action of acquiring a cost.
represents a cost of
Uses "represents" instead of "is", framing the cost as a symbolic value.
comes with a cost of
Adds "comes with", indicating that the cost is an inherent part of something.
has a price of
Replaces "cost" with "price", focusing on the monetary aspect.
demands a cost of
Uses "demands" to convey that the cost is a necessary requirement.
necessitates a cost of
Substitutes with "necessitates", highlighting that a cost is unavoidable.
requires an expenditure of
Replaces "cost" with "expenditure", focusing on the financial outlay.
implies a sacrifice of
Substitutes "cost" with "sacrifice", emphasizing the loss or giving up something.
carries a burden of
Replaces "cost" with "burden", highlighting the negative weight or difficulty associated with it.
FAQs
How can I use "is a cost of" in a sentence?
The phrase "is a cost of" indicates that something results in an expense or sacrifice. For instance, "The environmental damage "is a cost of" rapid industrialization" shows that environmental harm is a consequence of industrial growth.
What are some alternatives to using "is a cost of"?
You can use alternatives like "entails a cost of", "incurs a cost of", or "represents a cost of" to convey similar meanings but with slightly different emphasis. For example, you could say "the project "incurs a cost of" $1 million".
Is it always negative when something "is a cost of" something else?
While often associated with negative consequences, the phrase "is a cost of" can also describe necessary sacrifices for positive outcomes. For example, "strict regulations "is a cost of" ensuring public safety", showing that the cost ensures a benefit.
What's the difference between "is a cost of" and "comes at a cost of"?
While similar, "is a cost of" directly states a consequence, whereas "comes at a cost of" implies a trade-off or sacrifice. "Increased efficiency "is a cost of" new technology" suggests a natural result. "Increased efficiency "comes at a cost of" job losses" highlights a negative consequence.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested