offset the expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offset the expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to balance or counteract costs, often in financial or budgeting contexts. Example: "The company plans to offset the expense of the new software by increasing its sales revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

When plastic was more expensive, recycling helped offset the expense of recycling less profitable materials, like glass.

The Guardian

To offset the expense, Medicare payments would be cut for equipment like wheelchairs and chemotherapy drugs.

The New York Times

But he said he hoped stronger business during the summer would offset the expense.

The New York Times

There the company would inject the gas into two oil fields to assist recovery of oil, helping to offset the expense.

The New York Times

The fee increase will also help offset the expense of educating non-Scots, now that Westminster has cut back its financing for higher education.

The New York Times

Tourism may help to offset the expense, but a spike in arrivals is not guaranteed: Beijing saw a drop in hotel bookings during its Olympic summer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

While Best Buy is counting on the recycling program to lure shoppers into its stores – no easy feat these days with the popularity of online shopping – that benefit may not be significant enough to offset the expenses of running the recycling program.

The Guardian

There is also the increasing number of online Internet payday loan operators, where loan fees are even higher, to offset the expenses of customer acquisition and higher rate of default.

The Guardian - Money

The Super Internships program provides students with stipends of up to $5,000 to offset the expenses associated with accepting an internship.

Forbes

Cost effectiveness is suggested but a definitive answer in terms of whether the higher costs of predigested diet more than offset the expenses associated with aspiration pneumonia must await the results of prospective controlled trials.

American Journal of Gastroenterology

A recent study described the effect of a birth on the HH standard of living [ 47] and showed how the existing child welfare benefits may only partially offset the expenses, especially in terms of the impact on the occupational activity - and income - of one of the adults in the HH (and the only adult in single-parent families).

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offset the expense", clearly state what is being used to counterbalance the cost. For instance, "The company plans to offset the expense of the new marketing campaign by increasing sales targets."

Common error

Avoid using "offset the expense" without specifying how the expense is being offset. Saying "We will offset the expense" is less effective than detailing the specific actions, like "We will offset the expense with increased fundraising efforts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offset the expense" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of counteracting or balancing a cost. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing financial strategies to mitigate expenditures. It highlights an attempt to make the cost less burdensome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "offset the expense" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies counteracting or balancing a cost, as verified by Ludwig AI. It finds frequent application in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase is grammatically correct and functions to explain how costs are managed. To enhance clarity in writing, specify the method by which the expense is being offset. Alternatives include "counterbalance the cost" and "mitigate the cost". In essence, understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives can improve the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counterbalance the cost

Replaces "offset" with "counterbalance", emphasizing the act of providing an equal weight against the expense.

balance out the costs

Highlights the action of achieving equilibrium between expenses and resources.

mitigate the cost

Replaces "offset" with "mitigate", suggesting a reduction in the severity of the expense.

compensate for the expenditure

Focuses on making amends or providing something in return for the expenditure.

defray the costs

Uses "defray" to mean providing money to help pay the costs, partially covering the expense.

neutralize the cost

Implies rendering the cost ineffective or inconsequential.

reduce the expenditure

Focuses on decreasing the amount spent, rather than balancing it out.

cover the outlay

Focuses on ensuring the expenses are covered by income or savings.

make up for the expense

Suggests compensating or providing an equivalent value for the cost incurred.

recoup the investment

Specifically refers to recovering the initial investment, not just any expense.

FAQs

What does "offset the expense" mean?

The phrase "offset the expense" means to counterbalance or compensate for a cost or expenditure, often by using income, savings, or other financial resources to reduce the overall financial impact.

How can I use "offset the expense" in a sentence?

You can use "offset the expense" in sentences like: "The increased revenue from online sales will "offset the expense" of upgrading our website" or "Government subsidies are intended to "offset the expense" of renewable energy projects".

What are some alternatives to "offset the expense"?

Some alternatives to "offset the expense" include "counterbalance the cost", "mitigate the cost", or "reduce the expenditure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "offset the expense" or "offset the expenses"?

Both "offset the expense" and "offset the expenses" are grammatically correct, but "offset the expense" is generally used when referring to a singular, specific cost, while "offset the expenses" is used when referring to multiple or general costs. The choice depends on whether you are talking about one item or multiple items.