largest cost

USAGE SUMMARY

'largest cost' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the most expensive cost of something. For example, "The largest cost of renovating the house was the new roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Electricity was the largest cost above water, gas, telephone or waste collection charges.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Her nation shoulders the largest cost of bailing out weaker governments.

The New York Times

And that's important, because the largest cost in the current biofuel refining process is energy.

MIT Technology Review

The largest cost is job turnover, and not just among the targets.

Harvard Business Review

Airlines have been ordering new planes to reduce spending on fuel, the largest cost for many of them.

The New York Times

Yet they never look at the bills that make up their second largest cost category, after labor.

The New York Times

But the largest cost that Skyrim wishes to exact from players is that which is measured in human hours: time.

The Guardian - Tech

"The largest cost of executive pay arrangements was likely not the excess pay itself," Mr. Bebchuk said.

The New York Times

The largest cost is made up of compression of CO2, which is common to all capture technologies.

Applied Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

That is the largest cost-of-living adjustment since 1991.

The New York Times

Gannett's newsprint prices, the second-largest cost in publishing after labor, fell 3percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "largest cost" when precision and clarity are essential. If the context allows, consider more descriptive alternatives like "highest expense" or "most significant cost" for variety and emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "largest cost" when you actually mean the most important cost. The "largest cost" refers to the numerical value, while the "most important cost" refers to the most impactful or critical cost regardless of its monetary size. For example, delaying a project may have a low monetary cost, but might be the most important one to avoid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largest cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the item or activity that accounts for the greatest expenditure. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "largest cost" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that identifies the item or activity that represents the greatest expense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's found in various contexts, including news reports, scientific papers, and business documents. While alternatives like "highest expense" or "most significant cost" exist, "largest cost" maintains a neutral tone and is suitable for various situations. To ensure clarity, define the scope of "cost" and avoid confusing it with "most important cost", as the latter refers to impact rather than monetary value. With a source quality score of 83 and consistent usage, "largest cost" remains a reliable and effective term for financial discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest expense

Focuses on the monetary aspect, emphasizing the expense rather than a broader concept of cost.

greatest expenditure

Implies a more formal or accounting-oriented context, highlighting the act of spending.

biggest outlay

Suggests a substantial amount of money being spent, particularly in a single transaction.

principal expense

Emphasizes the primary or main expense, rather than necessarily the largest in magnitude.

major cost

A slightly less formal and emphatic way of saying "largest cost".

most significant cost

Highlights the importance or impact of the cost, rather than just its size.

heaviest burden

Shifts the focus to the negative impact or difficulty associated with the cost.

top expense

A more casual alternative, commonly used in everyday language.

primary driver of cost

Focuses on the factor that contributes the most to the overall cost.

bulk of the expenses

Indicates that a large portion of the overall expenses is attributed to a specific item or category.

FAQs

How can I use "largest cost" in a sentence?

You can use "largest cost" to identify the most expensive component of a project or budget. For example: "The "largest cost" in renovating the house was the new roof."

What are some alternatives to "largest cost"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "highest expense", "greatest expenditure", or "biggest outlay".

Is it better to say "largest cost" or "highest cost"?

Both "largest cost" and "highest cost" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. However, "highest cost" is more likely to be used when referring to the most expensive thing, while "largest cost" could refer to the cost that has the largest consequences.

What factors contribute to the "largest cost" in a business?

The "largest cost" in a business can vary depending on the industry and specific circumstances. Common factors include labor, raw materials, marketing, and overhead expenses. Identifying and managing these costs is crucial for profitability.