most significant cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most significant cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the largest or most important expense in a particular context, such as budgeting or project management. Example: "In our analysis, the most significant cost was the labor expenses associated with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And then there's the most intangible yet most significant cost: each year of endless war that passes further normalizes the endless rights erosions justified in its name.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rockey, who delivered a statement to the court on behalf of the N.I.H., said that lost grant money was not the only, or even the most significant, cost incurred.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Ghana, "the most significant cost you're going to incur in your life is not going to be your wedding — it's going to be your funeral," said Brian Larkin, a Barnard College anthropology professor who studies West African culture.

The New York Times

The most significant cost driver was costs for inpatient hospital treatment.

Health Economics Review

"Our most significant cost is our players, over $4.5 billion," he said.

Forbes

The most significant cost savings can result from changes in product design rather than from changes in production methods.

Designing Capable and Reliable Products

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Taxes are one of the most significant costs of investing in mutual funds," said Arthur Levitt, chairman of the S.E.C.

The New York Times

"Any intelligent developer will tell you one of the most significant costs for land development is the time it takes to get a major subdivision approval," he said.

The New York Times

The results show the origin of the most significant costs in the investigated integrated bio-processes.

Process Biochemistry

With hospitalization one of the most significant costs, the startup wants to reduce that through AI-powered predictive services.

TechCrunch

The calculation of the full extent of opportunity costs lost in the transformation of wetlands to single-use agricultural systems is beyond the scope of this study, so emphasis is put on the most significant costs, those to livestock rearing.

Pastoralism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most significant cost", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured or compared. For example, specify if it's within a project, department, or industry.

Common error

Don't limit the analysis to direct costs alone. Account for indirect costs like maintenance, training, and opportunity costs, as these can significantly impact the overall assessment of the "most significant cost".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most significant cost" functions as a noun phrase, where 'most significant' modifies 'cost'. It identifies the expense that carries the greatest importance or impact within a particular context. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "most significant cost" is a grammatically sound and common way to denote the largest or most impactful expense, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile, fitting well in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, make sure to clearly define the scope of analysis to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider both direct and indirect costs for a thorough evaluation. While alternatives like "major expense" or "primary cost driver" exist, "most significant cost" offers a balance of formality and clarity suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major expense

Focuses on the financial aspect, highlighting that the cost is large.

principal expenditure

Emphasizes that the cost is primary and considerable.

primary cost driver

Highlights the aspect of driving or influencing the overall cost.

largest financial burden

Indicates the cost is heavy and impactful financially.

main economic factor

Broadens the scope to consider the economic impact of the cost.

key overhead

Specifically relates to operational costs.

biggest monetary commitment

Highlights the commitment of funds.

leading cost component

Focuses on the specific element contributing most to overall costs.

dominant financial outlay

Emphasizes the expenditure of money as the most prominent.

greatest fiscal challenge

Highlights the cost as a challenge in financial management.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "most significant cost"?

You can use alternatives such as "major expense", "principal expenditure", or "primary cost driver" to convey a similar meaning.

What does "most significant cost" mean in project management?

In project management, "most significant cost" refers to the largest or most impactful expenditure item that affects the project's budget and financial success. Identifying it is crucial for cost control and resource allocation.

Is it appropriate to use "most significant cost" in formal writing?

Yes, "most significant cost" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to identify the largest or most important expenditure in various contexts, such as business reports or academic papers.

What's the difference between "most significant cost" and "highest cost"?

"Most significant cost" implies the cost has a substantial impact or importance beyond just its monetary value. "Highest cost" simply refers to the largest monetary expense without necessarily implying further implications.