low-cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "low-cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote something that costs less money than expected or desired. For example, "The store was selling low-cost items that were perfect for my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

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

Low-cost manufacturing has commoditized many items.

The New York Times

Professor Statman recommends low-cost index funds.

The New York Times

Low-cost technology too could boost profits.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

The biggest attraction, however, is low cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a service or product as "low-cost", specify what makes it affordable. For example, "low-cost airline tickets due to fewer included amenities".

Common error

Avoid using "low-cost" interchangeably with "cheap" when you want to highlight good value. "Cheap" can sometimes imply poor quality, whereas "low-cost" suggests affordability without necessarily compromising quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low-cost" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective, describing a noun by indicating that it has a reduced or affordable price. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and correct usage. The provided examples illustrate its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low-cost" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something affordable. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous real-world examples. While its primary function is to denote affordability, being mindful of the context and choosing the right synonym (such as "affordable" or "inexpensive") can enhance clarity. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, suggesting its suitability across various communication styles. Remember, while "low-cost" emphasizes affordability, it is better to use "cheap" when you want to highlight good value. Always specify the reasons behind the lower cost to provide transparency and improve communication effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affordable

Focuses on the accessibility of the price for a wide range of people.

inexpensive

A general term for not costing much money.

low-priced

Directly refers to the reduced price of something.

cheap

Implies a price lower than the average, sometimes suggesting lower quality.

economical

Emphasizes value and efficiency in terms of cost.

cost-effective

Focuses on the balance between cost and effectiveness or value.

budget-friendly

Highlights that the item or service is suitable for those with limited budgets.

value-for-money

Highlights that the item or service provides good value in relation to its cost.

reasonable

Indicates a fair and acceptable price.

discounted

Suggests a temporary reduction in price from its original value.

FAQs

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

You can use "low-cost" to describe affordable products, services, or solutions. For example, "The company offers "low-cost alternatives" to traditional advertising methods".

What is a good alternative to "low-cost"?

Alternatives to "low-cost" include "affordable", "inexpensive", and "budget-friendly", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

"Low-cost" is generally preferred over "cheap" when you want to emphasize affordability and value, while avoiding the potential negative connotation of poor quality that "cheap" might imply. Use "affordable" when appropriate.

What's the difference between "low-cost" and "cost-effective"?

"Low-cost" simply means the price is low, while "cost-effective" means that the item or service provides good value for the money spent. Something "cost-effective" might not be the cheapest option, but it offers the best balance of price and performance.