it does not cost anything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not cost anything" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that there is no financial charge for a service, item, or action. Example: "Joining our newsletter is completely free; it does not cost anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It does not cost anything, just nine months.

The New York Times

After all, it does not cost anything for a simple copy and paste".

Independent

"The great thing about public arts is it does not cost anything to see," Mr. Baume said.

The New York Times

While it does not cost anything to use the card, the exchange rates you'll get when loading it with cash aren't great.

The New York Times - Travel

Selling real people virtual goods is a great way to make money, of course, since unlike in the real world it does not cost anything to make more of them.

The New York Times

It does not cost anything to use and any computer can be used.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

People just snap, snap, snap away—it doesn't cost anything.

Vice

"It doesn't cost anything to look at it.

The New York Times - Arts

"It doesn't cost anything to be nice," he said.

The Guardian - Business

It doesn't cost anything and can't be taken away from us".

The New York Times

He says: "It doesn't cost anything to smile, be cheerful, and welcome people.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it does not cost anything" to clearly and directly communicate that something is free, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or convoluted language when a simple "it does not cost anything" is clear and effective. For example, instead of saying "there is no monetary consideration required", simply state "it does not cost anything".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not cost anything" functions as a statement indicating that something is available without charge. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It serves to reassure or inform about the absence of financial obligation, making it a declarative statement about value or accessibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does not cost anything" is a grammatically correct and generally accepted way to express that something is free. Ludwig confirms that it's usage is correct. While not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media and on wikis. The phrase is most often used to inform or encourage participation by highlighting the absence of financial burden. While more formal alternatives exist, "it does not cost anything" provides a clear and straightforward way to convey the message of freeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is free of charge

Emphasizes the absence of a fee or payment.

it doesn't require payment

Focuses on the absence of any payment obligation.

there is no charge

Directly states the absence of a cost.

it is available for free

Highlights the free availability of something.

it comes at no cost

Indicates that something is included without additional expense.

it is without expense

Highlights that there is no financial outlay involved.

it won't cost you a penny

Informal expression emphasizing the lack of financial burden.

it is gratis

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for free.

it is complimentary

Suggests that something is offered as a courtesy or gift.

it is on the house

Indicates that something is provided free by a business establishment.

FAQs

What does "it does not cost anything" mean?

The phrase "it does not cost anything" means that something is free and available without any financial charge.

How can I use "it does not cost anything" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not cost anything" to emphasize that a service, item, or activity is free. For example: "Joining the online webinar "is free of charge"; "it does not cost anything".

What's the difference between "it does not cost anything" and "it is free"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "it does not cost anything" is slightly more emphatic about the absence of cost. "It is free" is a more common and general way to express the same idea.

Are there more formal alternatives to "it does not cost anything"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "there is no charge" or "it is gratis", although these might be less common in everyday conversation.