it costs a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it costs a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the price of something, typically followed by a noun indicating what is being referred to. Example: "It costs a fortune to maintain an old car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It costs a penny.

The New Yorker

It costs a fortune.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It costs a nickel.

The New Yorker

Still surprised that it costs a lot?

The New York Times - Magazine

It costs a lot of energy".

The New York Times - Tech

"It costs a fortune, by the way".

The New York Times

"Here it costs a fortune," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

It costs a lot to live here.

The Guardian - Business

But it costs a lot.

The New Yorker

It costs a cool £10,000 a week.

Independent

"It costs a few more bucks.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it costs a", ensure that the noun following 'a' is appropriate and provides sufficient detail about the cost involved. For instance, instead of saying "it costs a lot", specify "it costs a lot of money" or "it costs a fortune" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using vague terms like "it costs a bit" without providing context or a more specific estimate. Vague statements can leave the reader without a clear understanding of the actual expense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it costs a" primarily functions as a statement of expense or price. As Ludwig examples show, it introduces the amount or degree of financial investment required for something. It is a declarative phrase used to convey information about cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it costs a" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the price or expense associated with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to inform about financial implications, serving a neutral register suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, clarity is enhanced by specifying the nature of the cost (e.g., "it costs a fortune"). Related phrases, such as "the price is" or "requires a payment of", offer similar meanings. Avoiding vagueness ensures the phrase remains effective and informative in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the price is

States the price directly, instead of implying cost.

requires a payment of

Focuses specifically on the payment required.

amounts to

Provides a total amount after calculation, suitable for bills and shopping lists.

a price of

Focuses on stating the price directly, rather than implying cost.

carries a price tag of

Emphasizes the marked price, suitable for commercial contexts.

commands a fee of

Implies a professional charge or service fee.

demands an investment of

Highlights the investment aspect, useful for long-term expenditures.

incurs expenses of

Highlights the expenses incurred as a result.

necessitates an outlay of

Emphasizes the financial outlay required.

has a valuation of

Indicates an estimated value, often in business contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "it costs a" in a sentence?

The phrase "it costs a" is used to express the price or expense of something. For example, "it costs a fortune to live in New York" or "it costs a lot of money to raise a child".

What are some alternatives to "it costs a"?

Alternatives include "the price is", "a price of", or "requires a payment of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it costs a"?

Yes, "it costs a" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate the cost or expense associated with something, as supported by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "it costs a lot" and "it costs much"?

"It costs a lot" is more common and generally preferred over "it costs much". While both are grammatically correct, "it costs a lot" is more idiomatic in modern English.