it could cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential expenses or consequences of an action or decision. Example: "If we decide to upgrade the software, it could cost us a significant amount of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could cost him more than a year's salary.

The Guardian

It could cost $1 billion.

The New York Times

It could cost RBS more than £1m.

Independent

It could cost him his job.

The Economist

It could cost the state billions.

The Economist

Now it could cost more than $700.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet, it could cost them as dearly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The way things are going, it could cost much more.

The Economist

But in the long run, it could cost Israel dearly.

The New York Times

Still, I didn't think it could cost somebody their life.

The New York Times - Sports

For everyone else, it could cost a lot of money.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could cost", be specific about what "it" refers to. Clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "Implementing the new system could cost a lot", specify: "Implementing the new system could cost the company $500,000."

Common error

Avoid using "it could cost" in scenarios where the subject is vague. Saying "It could cost a lot" without specifying what "it" is leaves the statement weak and unconvincing. Strengthen your writing by always defining the subject clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could cost" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a potential or possible expense or consequence. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and common across various contexts, indicating its role in speculative statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could cost" is a versatile phrase used to express a potential expense or consequence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, and Academic contexts, serving to warn or advise about possible negative outcomes. When writing, it's important to be specific about what "it" refers to and avoid overgeneralization. While alternatives exist, such as "it might entail" or "it may require", "it could cost" remains a direct and effective way to convey potential financial or other burdens.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might entail

Replaces "could" with "might" and "cost" with "entail", focusing on what a situation may involve.

it may require

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "cost" with "require", suggesting a necessity rather than just an expense.

it has the potential to be

Emphasizes the possibility of an outcome, framing it as a potential rather than a certainty.

the expense might reach

Focuses specifically on financial outlay, quantifying the potential cost.

the repercussions may include

Shifts the focus from monetary cost to broader consequences.

it could lead to

Highlights the possibility of consequential outcomes, differing from the primary financial meaning.

this action may set back

Focuses on a delay or setback as a result of an action, which has an implicit cost.

this could set someone back

Focuses on a delay or setback as a result of an action. The focus is on people.

there may be a downside

Suggests a possible negative outcome, a more general term than direct cost.

it carries a risk of

Emphasizes the element of risk and potential negative impact.

FAQs

How can I use "it could cost" in a sentence?

Use "it could cost" to express a potential expense or consequence. For example: "Delaying the project could cost us valuable time", or "Ignoring the warning signs could cost lives".

What can I say instead of "it could cost"?

You can use alternatives like "it might entail", "it may require", or "it has the potential to be" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it will cost" instead of "it could cost"?

While both are grammatically correct, "it will cost" implies a higher degree of certainty about the expense, whereas "it could cost" indicates a possibility or potential expense that is not yet definite.

What's the difference between "it could cost" and "it might cost"?

Both phrases express possibility, but "could" often suggests a slightly higher likelihood or a more direct connection to a specific condition than "might". They are largely interchangeable in many contexts.