it would set you back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would set you back" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the cost or expense associated with something, often in a financial context. Example: "If you want to buy that new car, it would set you back at least $30,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If you were to buy the iPhone XS, its successor, brand new, it would set you back $999.

Forbes

The cheapest dental check-up is just £15 in Birmingham while in one London clinic it would set you back £185.

Independent

Meanwhile, if you spent the equivalent of £1,500 including three £200 ATM withdrawals and nine purchase transactions, it would set you back less than £19 with a pre-paid currency card from Cash Passport or myTravelCash; using a debit card from TSB or Lloyds would cost £62.85.

Independent

In some Asian restaurants, it would set you back more than US$100.

BBC

If you were to buy 100 gigabytes of SkyDrive storage for a year, it would set you back $50.

TechCrunch

It would set you back.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If you were to buy it direct from Qualcomm, it'd set you back $1,350.

TechCrunch

If you were to buy all the titles separately, it'd set you back over $350.

TechCrunch

The Peacock, Rowsley A chic manor house that would set you back the same again if it were in the Cotswolds.

The Guardian - Travel

The work would set you back £18,000 – and comes with a contract on how it should be looked after.

The Guardian - Arts

Amizo would set you back just £6.25.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it would set you back", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. For example, "Buying a new car would set you back considerably."

Common error

Avoid using "it would set you back" when you mean simply 'delay'. The phrase primarily indicates a financial cost or significant disadvantage, not just a temporal setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would set you back" functions primarily as a predicate within a sentence. It expresses the hypothetical cost or expense associated with a particular action, purchase, or event, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would set you back" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the cost or expense associated with something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informality. The phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, where it provides a cost estimate or warns about potential financial implications. Remember to use it when you wish to highlight the monetary burden or disadvantage something may cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would cost you

Focuses directly on the monetary cost involved.

it would run you

Informal way to express the cost of something.

it would amount to

Emphasizes the total sum that needs to be paid.

the price would be

States the price in a direct and explicit way.

the expense would be

Emphasizes the financial burden or outlay.

it would require an investment of

Highlights that a financial investment is necessary.

it would entail a cost of

Formal way to mention the expense involved.

it would burn a hole in your pocket

Idiomatic expression to refer at high cost

it would take a toll

Implies a negative impact or burden, not necessarily financial.

it would set you behind

Suggests a delay or setback, rather than just a cost.

FAQs

How can I use "it would set you back" in a sentence?

You can use "it would set you back" to indicate the cost or expense of something. For example, "That vacation "would set you back" around $5000".

What can I say instead of "it would set you back"?

Alternatives include "it would cost you", "it would amount to", or "it would run you", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it would set you back" or "it will set you back"?

"It would set you back" implies a hypothetical situation or a condition. "It will set you back" is used for future or more definite situations.

What's the difference between "it would set you back" and "it would delay you"?

"It would set you back" primarily refers to a financial or significant disadvantage, while "it would delay you" refers to a postponement or temporal setback.