it just costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it just costs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the price or expense of something in a casual or conversational context. Example: "I wanted to buy that new phone, but it just costs too much for my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It just costs money".

The New York Times - Science

"It just costs a lot," said Tim Miller, a spokesman for Mr. Huntsman.

The New York Times

It just costs more to have a manicured lawn in New England than in Southern California.

The New York Times

All the ingredients are here for a Palladian villa — it just costs money to do the first one".

The New Yorker

It just costs far too little, in developing countries, to tear a building down and put up a new one.

The Economist

It just costs you so goddam much more to make a car that you can save money by having one design for the whole world".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It just cost him a big one.

The New York Times - Tech

It just cost us less to fail there.

The New York Times

"It just cost too much to put up the cast in a Scottish hotel," he says.

The Guardian - Film

I always come away disappointed, regretting my open-minded spirit of adventurousness because it just cost me some valuable stomach space.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The show was canceled, Mr. Brooks said, not because it failed to find an audience — "The ratings weren't bad," he insisted — but because, as a one-camera show, shot like a film, it just cost too much to produce.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it just costs", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing the phrase "it just costs" as it can sound too casual. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives like "the primary expense is" or "the financial implications are significant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it just costs" functions as a statement indicating that the primary or sole impediment to something is its price. Ludwig AI shows it's used to express that affordability is the only barrier.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it just costs" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to indicate that the only barrier to obtaining something is its price. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While acceptable in most conversations, it might be too informal for formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "it simply costs" or "the primary expense is" can be used to adjust the tone. The phrase functions as a straightforward statement, highlighting the financial implications as the key limiting factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it merely costs

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of additional factors beyond the price.

it simply costs

Highlights the straightforward nature of the cost, with no added complexity.

the price is just

Focuses on the price itself, emphasizing that the cost is the only factor to consider.

the expense is merely

Highlights that the expense is the only component, avoiding hidden fees.

it boils down to cost

Emphasizes that the primary factor is the monetary aspect.

the only factor is cost

Highlights that there are no other things to consider but the expense.

it's a matter of price

Indicates that the decision hinges solely on the price.

the financial aspect is

Highlights the financial concern above all other considerations.

the main issue is price

States that the primary problem revolves around how expensive something is.

it all comes down to price

Emphasizes that the final decision depends on the price.

FAQs

What does "it just costs" mean?

The phrase "it just costs" means that the only factor preventing something from happening or being obtained is the price or expense associated with it.

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

You can use "it just costs" to explain that something is achievable or available, but the price is a barrier. For example, "We could implement that feature, "it just costs" too much to develop".

What can I say instead of "it just costs"?

You can use alternatives like "it simply costs", "the only factor is cost", or "the expense is merely", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it just costs" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it just costs" may be too informal for academic or business writing. Consider using a more formal phrasing like "the primary expense is" or "the financial implications are significant".