low cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"low cost" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something which is relatively inexpensive. Example: "This website offers a variety of low cost services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Low cost.

Harvard Business Review

At very low cost.

The Economist

It's low cost.

The New York Times

Cost: Free or low cost.

The New York Times - Health

Pros: Low cost.

The New York Times

Low Cost Housing.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Low-cost, efficient delivery.

Cornell University

Low-cost variability.

Harvard Business Review

The low-cost revolution looks complete.

Independent

All are free or low-cost.

The New York Times

"Exercise is an accessible, low-cost intervention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, quantify the "low cost" by providing specific numbers or percentages to demonstrate the savings.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the "low cost" without mentioning quality or benefits. Emphasize that the item or service provides good value for its price to reassure customers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low cost" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing a noun by indicating its reduced price or expense. It is commonly used to emphasize affordability, as Ludwig AI confirms. For example, "low cost housing" and "low cost fuel source" clearly demonstrate this adjectival function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low cost" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is affordable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight the economic benefit of a product, service, or solution. It is particularly frequent in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts. To maximize its impact, quantify the cost savings whenever possible and emphasize the value received for the price. While similar to "cheap", "low cost" generally carries a more positive connotation, focusing on affordability rather than potentially compromising quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-priced

Directly states that the price is low.

affordable

Indicates something is within a reasonable price range for most people.

inexpensive

Suggests something does not require a large financial outlay.

cheap

Implies a very low price, sometimes suggesting lower quality (though not always).

budget-friendly

Suitable for someone who is trying to save money.

economical

Emphasizes value for money and efficient use of resources.

value-priced

Highlights that the cost is low relative to the benefits you'll receive.

reasonable

Suggests the cost is fair and appropriate for what is offered.

discounted

Implies that the cost has been reduced from its original price.

modestly priced

Expresses that the item or service isn't exorbitant but still of reasonable quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "low cost" to describe something inexpensive, such as "This airline offers "low cost" flights to Europe" or "We are looking for a "low cost" solution to this problem".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "low cost"?

Alternatives include "affordable", "inexpensive", "budget-friendly", or "economical" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "low cost" or "cheap"?

While both imply a lower price, "low cost" generally has a more positive connotation. "Cheap" can sometimes suggest lower quality, while "low cost" emphasizes affordability without necessarily implying inferiority.

What is the difference between "low cost" and "value-priced"?

"Low cost" simply indicates that something has a lower price. "Value-priced", on the other hand, highlights that the item or service offers good value in relation to its price, suggesting a favorable balance between cost and quality.