least expense

USAGE SUMMARY

"least expense" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when referring to something that has been done with the least amount of money being spent. For example, "We made the repairs with the least expense possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

You get the greatest improvement for the least expense.

The New York Times

"CCS is a priority for Britain if our 2050 climate goals are to be achieved at least expense.

The Guardian

On the "Egypt" country page, there are grainy images showing torture in a prison.For now at least, expense and technological problems make it hard to organise any international mobile-based protest.

The Economist

"WHEREFORE, security being the true design and end of government," Thomas Paine advised in 1776, "it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others".

The New York Times

The least expense is Vanguard's quality factor ETF, which owns almost 700 shares with quality exposure, currently including companies such as Nike and Costco.

Forbes

Private insurers also looked for automation to help develop databases of best practices: ways of treating medical conditions with the best outcome for the least expense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Many homes that still have awnings spent much of their lives valued less for their beauty than for their ability to shelter a family at the least possible expense, particularly in neighborhoods that just a few decades ago were considered neither up nor coming.

The New York Times

But it added that it would allow companies that had already closed their books for the year, and had taken a reasonable approach that reflected at least some expense, to use the accounting method they had adopted, although they will have to make changes in later years.

The New York Times

There is scuttlebutt in Cap itol corridors that the law makers, who thus far have not taxed themselves with more than two days of As sembly and Senate sessions a week, might seek to raise their salaries or at least their expense stipends this year.

The New York Times

At the very least further expense in replacing the faulty device is entailed; the worst-case scenario involves revision surgery with all its attendant risks for the patient.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Thus, we propose and evaluate a limited feedback scheme that adapts the feedback load according to channel conditions at the least possible expense of system throughput.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for the "least expense", prioritize essential aspects and avoid unnecessary frills to maximize savings.

Common error

Don't solely focus on the initial "least expense" without considering long-term maintenance or replacement costs, as this could lead to higher overall expenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least expense" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a preposition or as part of a larger phrase to describe a method, option, or strategy chosen for its minimal financial impact. Ludwig AI says this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least expense" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe the action of minimizing costs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally appropriate for use in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is versatile, remember to consider long-term value, not just the initial cost. Alternatives like "minimal cost" or "most economical" can offer subtle differences in meaning, but "least expense" directly emphasizes the reduction of financial outlay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal cost

Focuses on the cost itself being as low as possible.

lowest cost

Highlights finding the absolute minimum expenditure.

smallest expenditure

Emphasizes the amount of money spent being reduced.

cheapest option

Suggests a selection from multiple choices based on price.

most economical

Implies efficiency and avoiding wastefulness.

budget-friendly

Highlights affordability and suitability for limited budgets.

cost-effective

Focuses on achieving value in relation to the expense.

economical solution

Suggests a practical and affordable resolution.

thrifty approach

Implies careful and wise spending habits.

frugal method

Conveys a sense of avoiding extravagance and unnecessary costs.

FAQs

How can I use "least expense" in a sentence?

You can use "least expense" to describe actions or decisions made with the primary goal of minimizing costs. For example, "We chose the repair option that involved the "least expense" possible".

What is a good alternative to "least expense"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "minimal cost", "cheapest option", or "most economical".

Is it better to say "least expensive" or "least expense"?

While both are understandable, "least expense" focuses more directly on the financial outlay, whereas "least expensive" (although acceptable in many contexts) describes something having a lower price in relation to other items. Use "least expense" when you want to emphasize the minimization of monetary expenditure itself.

How does "least expense" compare to "cost-effective"?

"Least expense" simply means the lowest cost, while "cost-effective" implies a balance between cost and value or benefit received. Something can have the "least expense" but not be "cost-effective" if it doesn't provide sufficient value.