it would be costly

USAGE SUMMARY

'it would be costly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to point out the expense or cost of something. For example: "Buying a new car would be costly, so I think I'll just get a used one instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The department declined to discuss its ties with Blackwater publicly, but a senior department official said it would be costly for the government to terminate, without cause, the other contracts that are in place.

The New York Times

It would be costly to overbuild themselves".

The Guardian

But it would be costly for the monopolist, too.

The Economist

It would be costly for the rest of Europe, too.

The New Yorker

Perhaps, but it would be costly to replace.

The Economist

Contraction may provide savings, but it would be costly, too.

The New York Times - Sports

But it would be costly for landowners, who would bear the entire burden of the tax.

The Economist

It would be costly but possible to clear up the mystery of the original architect.

The New York Times

But Medicare officials have resisted the proposal, saying it would be costly and impractical.

The New York Times

It would be costly and time-consuming to train just 10percentt of the educator workforce.

The Washington Post

Democrats say it would be costly and disproportionately benefit the rich.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it would be costly", be specific about what would be costly. Adding context such as "it would be costly to implement" or "it would be costly for the company" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be costly" repeatedly in close proximity without varying your language. Diversify your vocabulary to make your writing more engaging and less repetitive. Try "it would prove expensive" or "it would entail a significant expense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be costly" functions as a statement expressing a potential financial burden or expense associated with a particular action or decision. It serves to highlight the economic implications, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be costly" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something involves significant expense. As confirmed by Ludwig, its purpose is primarily to caution against a particular action due to its financial implications. The phrase enjoys broad applicability across neutral registers, particularly in contexts related to news, business, and policy, making it a versatile tool for effective communication. When using this phrase, specifying the subject that bears the cost enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would prove expensive

Replaces "costly" with "expensive", maintaining a direct synonym for financial burden.

it would entail a significant expense

Emphasizes the substantial financial commitment involved.

it would require a large investment

Highlights the need for a considerable financial outlay.

the financial burden would be substantial

Shifts the focus to the weight of the financial obligation.

it would be financially prohibitive

Suggests that the cost makes the action impossible.

it would carry a high price tag

Uses a more informal, descriptive way to express the high cost.

it would strain the budget

Indicates that the action would put pressure on available funds.

it would break the bank

An idiomatic expression meaning it would cost more than one can afford.

it would present considerable difficulties

Broadens the scope to include challenges beyond just financial costs.

it would have significant drawbacks

Refers to potential negative consequences in a general sense.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it would be costly"?

Alternatives include "it would prove expensive", "it would entail a significant expense", or "it would require a large investment", depending on the specific context.

What does "it would be costly" mean?

The phrase "it would be costly" means that a particular action, project, or decision would involve a significant expense or financial burden. It implies that the cost is a major consideration and could be a deterrent.

Is "it would be costly" formal or informal?

The phrase "it would be costly" is considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives, such as "it would entail a significant expense", might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What are some common contexts where "it would be costly" is used?

The phrase "it would be costly" is commonly used when discussing business decisions, government policies, environmental initiatives, and personal financial planning. It is frequently used to weigh the pros and cons of different options.