it costs less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it costs less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing prices or expenses, indicating that something is cheaper than another option. Example: "This brand of detergent is effective and it costs less than the leading brand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It costs less for the builder.

The New York Times

It costs less than £1 per woman.

The Guardian

It costs less than $100 to have the mirror installed.

The New York Times

Sometimes the release is intentional, because it costs less.

The New York Times - Science

It costs less than $1 to vaccinate a child.

The New York Times

It costs less than two-thirds of the Ramada.

The Guardian - Travel

It costs less than $50 per course of treatment.

The New York Times

Best of all, it costs less than $10.

The New York Times - Food

It costs less for a man to think ruthlessly, unkindly.

The New Yorker

"It costs less, and you can do more with it," says Mike Volpi of Cisco.

The Economist

When you shop online, it costs less and someone else delivers it all to your door.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, be specific. Instead of just stating "it costs less", quantify the difference or provide a percentage reduction for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it costs less" without specifying what it is cheaper than. Always provide a point of reference for comparison to make the statement meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it costs less" functions as a comparative statement. It expresses that the price or expense associated with something is lower than that of something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it costs less" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a lower price or reduced expense compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is considered correct. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to business discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to provide a clear point of comparison to ensure the statement is meaningful. Alternatives such as "it is more affordable" or "it is cheaper" can be used depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is cheaper

A more direct and simple synonym for "it costs less".

it is less expensive

Uses a more formal term, 'expensive', to indicate a lower price.

it is more affordable

Emphasizes general affordability rather than a direct comparison of cost reduction.

it has a lower price tag

Highlights that the item has a reduced amount of money.

it represents a saving

Highlights the financial benefit or saving that results from the lower cost.

it's a more economical option

Highlights efficiency.

the price is reduced

Focuses on price change.

it offers better value

Focuses on the relationship between cost and benefit, suggesting the item is a good deal.

it's economically advantageous

Suggests that choosing the option is beneficial from a financial perspective.

it's a bargain

Indicates the item is available at an unexpectedly low price.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it costs less"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is more affordable", "it is cheaper", or "it is less expensive" depending on the context.

What does "it costs less" imply?

The phrase "it costs less" means that something has a lower price or requires less expenditure compared to something else. The comparison should be explicitly stated or clearly implied.

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

Yes, "it costs less" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts.

When should I use "it costs less" instead of "it is cheaper"?

While "it costs less" and "it is cheaper" are often interchangeable, "it costs less" may be preferred in more formal or business contexts. However, in everyday conversation, "it is cheaper" is perfectly acceptable. The choice depends on the tone you want to convey.