principal cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in financial or business contexts to refer to the main or primary cost associated with a project, investment, or operation. Example: "The principal cost of the project includes materials, labor, and overhead expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Adding to the quandary, the British Navy and Air Force can reduce spending by trimming weapons programs, while the army's principal cost is personnel.

The New York Times

A principal cost saver in Europe has been the ability to make parts and processes last through two development cycles instead of a single cycle -- something the Japanese are adept at -- so that each time a car is redesigned, the company does not have to start from scratch.

The New York Times

The principal cost lies in the capture part of the process, and that is the focus of TCM.

BBC

Given that hardware and consumable costs are among the principal cost drivers, another result would have been surprising.

Gynecological Surgery

The principal cost components are approximately medical attendance fees 10.1%, other surgical costs 10.2%, anaesthetic fees 2.8% and pathology 8.9%.

Health Economics Review

The burden of disease for THA candidates is extensive, where loss of productivity is the principal cost.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Fortunately, in recent years New York State's juvenile justice system has dramatically reduced its use of confinement, its principal cost-driver.

The New York Times

There are two principal costs that the helpers and the possible forwarders incur in helping the requester.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The principal costs are formulation, packaging, and transport, not the bulk cost of the raw ingredient.

Global health, science and practice

It is assumed that these elements capture the principal costs associated with the treatment of ESRD patients.

Applied Health Economics and Health Policy

Medication costs are believed to be the principal incremental cost drivers in RA care for patients who use biologic treatments.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets or financial reports, use "principal cost" to clearly identify the most significant expense influencing overall costs. This term helps prioritize cost-saving efforts and resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "principal" as "principle". "Principal" refers to the main or primary element, especially in financial contexts, whereas "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition. Remembering this distinction ensures clarity and accuracy in financial writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most significant expense within a set of costs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal cost" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to identify the most significant expense in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish between "principal", meaning main, and "principle", meaning a fundamental belief. Alternatives include "main expense" and "primary expenditure". By highlighting the "principal cost", writers can focus on key factors influencing overall expenses and prioritize cost-saving measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main expense

Focuses on the primary nature of the cost, using a more straightforward term.

chief cost

Uses a more concise term to indicate the main cost.

primary expenditure

Emphasizes the spending aspect, highlighting what is mainly spent.

central cost

Indicates that the cost is the core or most important.

largest cost component

Breaks down the cost into components, identifying the largest among them.

key cost factor

Highlights the importance of the cost as a determining element.

major financial burden

Highlights the burdensome aspect of the cost, suggesting a significant impact.

biggest outlay

Focuses on the amount of money spent, identifying the largest.

predominant expense

Indicates that the expense is the most noticeable or prevalent.

significant cost driver

Highlights the cost as the primary factor influencing overall expenses.

FAQs

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

You can use "principal cost" to highlight the main expense in a particular situation. For example, "The "principal cost" of the project was labor."

What are some alternatives to "principal cost"?

Alternatives include "main expense", "primary expenditure", or "largest cost component". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "principal cost" formal or informal?

"Principal cost" is suitable for formal and professional contexts, such as business reports, academic papers, or financial analyses. In more casual settings, you might opt for a simpler term like "main cost".

What's the difference between "principal cost" and "total cost"?

"Principal cost" refers to the single largest or most significant expense, while "total cost" represents the sum of all expenses. Identifying the "principal cost" helps in prioritizing cost-saving strategies.