less costly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less costly" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it to describe something that costs less than an alternative in a given situation. For example: "The new machine is less costly to maintain than the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dan Rather's mistake was considerably less costly.

The New York Times

"It's less costly for the insurance company".

The New York Times

Catalog claims its system is less costly.

MIT Technology Review

Strategies associated with these other goals are frequently less costly.

Stanford University

It's probably less in less costly parts of the country.

Stanford University

Talk with your doctor about less costly options.

The New York Times - Health

We need to make it simpler and less costly".

The New York Times

Civil actions are far less costly than criminal prosecutions.

The New York Times

Improving sanitation is a less costly proposition, she said.

The New York Times

"And if it is effective, is it less costly?

The New York Times

The technology automates the process and makes it less costly.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, quantify the cost difference; for example, "Using this method is 20% less costly".

Common error

Don't use "less costly" if an item or service is actually free; instead, state it is "free of charge" or "provided at no cost".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less costly" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to modify a noun by indicating that something has a lower cost compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less costly" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is more affordable than an alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a wide array of contexts, from news and media to academic research. While synonyms like "cheaper" exist, "less costly" often provides a more professional tone. When writing, remember to use "less costly" when comparing options based on price, but ensure it aligns with the context. Steer clear of using it when describing something that is actually free, opting instead for alternatives like "free of charge". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "less costly" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheaper

A more informal and direct synonym for "less costly".

more affordable

Emphasizes the ability to purchase or access something.

cost-effective

Focuses on the value received for the money spent.

more economical

Focuses on the efficient use of resources in addition to cost.

economical

Implies efficiency in resource utilization resulting in lower expenses.

at a lower price

Highlights the reduced monetary value.

lower-priced

A compound adjective describing something with a reduced price tag.

more budget-friendly

Suggests suitability for those with limited financial resources.

reasonably priced

Indicates that the price is fair and justifiable.

value-for-money

Focuses on the balance between price and quality.

FAQs

How can I use "less costly" in a sentence?

You can use "less costly" to compare the price of two or more options, like "This alternative is "less costly" than the original plan".

What are some alternatives to saying "less costly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cheaper", "more affordable", or "more economical".

Is it always better to choose the "less costly" option?

Not always. Consider factors like quality, durability, and long-term benefits in addition to cost. A "less costly" option might not always be the best value.

When should I use "less costly" instead of "cheaper"?

"Less costly" is generally more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts, while "cheaper" is more informal and better for everyday conversation.