is less costly

USAGE SUMMARY

'is less costly' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when comparing two items or services in terms of cost, for example: "The new model of phone is less costly than the older version."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such journalism is less costly but it is also of less value.

The Guardian - Opinion

Growing costs are minimal, and curing marijuana is less costly than curing tobacco.

The New Yorker

It is less costly, so brokers are less vulnerable to market swings.

The Economist

The Passat made in Tennessee is less costly and simpler than the European version.

The New York Times

"Identity theft remains so prevalent because it is less costly to tolerate fraud".

The New York Times

Esophageal speech is less costly than other methods because it requires no equipment or surgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then, due to its sliding-scale price structure, certification is less costly for large producer organisations than for smaller ones.

The Guardian

Giving a concession or lowering an asking rent is less costly than carrying a vacant apartment for several months.

The New York Times

They are paying privately at an average of $2,500 per month, which is less costly than a nursing home.

The New York Times

This means that deviation from the Washington consensus policies is less costly in terms of aid flows and trade preferences.

The Guardian - Opinion

RFID technology is less costly to merchants than credit card purchases, for which merchants must pay a percentage to the card processor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, be specific about what "is less costly" than. Provide context for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "is less costly" without specifying what the alternative is. Always clarify the comparison to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less costly" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one item, service, or method has a lower financial cost compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less costly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative expression, indicating a lower financial burden compared to an alternative. Ludwig AI validates this assessment, showcasing its prevalence across diverse contexts, notably in scientific and news-related domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what you are comparing. Synonymous alternatives include "is cheaper" and "is more affordable", offering nuanced ways to convey the same core concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more affordable

Replaces 'less costly' with a synonym emphasizing affordability.

is cheaper

Uses a simpler and more direct term for lower price.

is more economical

Emphasizes efficiency and saving money.

costs less

Rearranges the sentence structure to focus on the cost.

represents a saving

Highlights the aspect of saving money.

is a better value

Focuses on the value received for the price paid.

is more budget-friendly

Suggests suitability for people with limited budgets.

is a lower-priced option

Highlights that a cheaper option is available.

is competitively priced

Suggests that the pricing is advantageous compared to competitors.

offers better cost efficiency

This alternative emphasizes the output gained compared to the investment made.

FAQs

How can I use "is less costly" in a sentence?

Use "is less costly" to compare the expenses of two or more options, like: "This treatment "is less costly" than surgery".

What's a simple alternative to "is less costly"?

A more straightforward option is to say something "is cheaper".

What's the difference between "is less costly" and "is more affordable"?

"Is less costly" directly compares prices, while "is more affordable" implies that something is within someone's budget.

When should I use "is less costly" instead of "saves money"?

Use "is less costly" when making a direct comparison between two options. Use "saves money" when highlighting the act of economizing itself.