major expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major expense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a significant cost or financial outlay in a budget or financial context. Example: "The renovation of the office was a major expense that we had to plan for in our annual budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Another major expense is food.

The New York Times

One major expense has been direct mail.

The New York Times

With three kids, camp is a major, major expense".

The New York Times

The major expense was recreating the compound where Bin Laden was discovered.

The Guardian - Film

(Or, in the case of "One Man, Two Guvnors," the major expense of a Broadway ticket).

The New York Times

Its major expense, she recalled, was the drinks trolley "and every night we demolished it".

The Guardian

Since we are incurring a major expense, I decided, O.K., let's take them.

The New York Times - Arts

Our rent here is around €400 a month, with the car our only other major expense.

The Guardian - Travel

The trip was a major expense, "But I said to myself, 'What the heck!

The New York Times - Travel

They use a lot of cardboard packaging to ship their products, which is a major expense for the business.

The New York Times

But for many other golfers, it is a major expense that can also buy them time and peace of mind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major expense" when you want to emphasize the significance of a particular cost within a broader financial picture.

Common error

Avoid using "major expense" without specifying the reference point. Instead of saying "Healthcare was a major expense", clarify "Healthcare was a major expense for the company this year", which provides more context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major expense" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a significant cost. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal budgeting to corporate finance, indicating its broad applicability. It usually indicates a negative connotation, because it implies something that needs to be paid or saved for.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major expense" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant cost or financial outlay. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While semantically similar alternatives like "significant expenditure" or "substantial cost" exist, "major expense" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context to clarify the reference point and prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant expenditure

Emphasizes the act of spending a considerable amount of money.

substantial cost

Focuses on the high monetary value associated with something.

considerable outlay

Highlights the amount of money that needs to be invested or spent.

principal expense

Indicates that the cost is one of the most important or largest ones.

primary expenditure

Highlights that the spending is the most important.

heavy investment

Implies a large sum of money spent with the expectation of future returns or benefits.

chief cost

Indicates a main financial burden.

large financial commitment

Implies a long-term obligation to spend a considerable amount of money.

notable financial burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty associated with bearing the cost.

premium price

Suggests that the high cost is due to the superior quality or exclusivity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "major expense" to describe a significant cost in various contexts. For instance, "The new equipment was a "major expense" for the company", or "College tuition is often a "major expense" for families".

What are some alternatives to "major expense"?

Alternatives include "significant expenditure", "substantial cost", or "considerable outlay". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "major expense" or "significant cost"?

Both phrases are valid, but "major expense" often implies a planned or budgeted cost, while "significant cost" can refer to an unexpected or realized cost. The context dictates the more appropriate term.

In what situations is "major expense" most suitable?

"Major expense" is particularly suitable when discussing budgeting, financial planning, or cost analysis where you want to highlight the magnitude and importance of a particular expenditure within a larger financial framework. However, "large expenditure" might be better for a very concrete spending.