probable cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probable cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an estimated or likely expense associated with a project or purchase. Example: "Before we proceed, we need to assess the probable cost of the materials required for the construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

However, given the large number of epitopes resulting from the MHC polymorphism and the probable cost of mutations, viruses are probably limited in their attempts to reduce epitopes.

Bioinformatics

After 86 days of public hearings and 474 witnesses, at a probable cost of £6m, what now for Leveson's recommendations?

The Guardian

He remained at Rothmans, at probable cost to his health, being dogged in his last years by throat cancer.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet according to Tim Stonesifer, chief financial officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the company has previously identified $2bn in probable cost cuts.

The Guardian - Business

The room's bark-patterned carpet provided promised calm; the artwork, including a Donald Baechler painting of an ice cream sundae, propelled the probable cost past $1 million.

The New York Times

Since then Kraft has announced that it is moving the firm's headquarters to Switzerland to avoid UK tax, at a probable cost of thousands of UK jobs.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

At the least, we should be clear-eyed about the probable costs and benefits.

The New York Times

But even back-of-the-envelope estimates by experts and Culture Ministry officials put the probable costs in the many millions of euros.

The New York Times

But even back-of-the-envelope estimates by experts and Culture Ministry officials put the probable costs in the millions of dollars.

The New York Times

An experienced contractor can help you determine the building and safety requirements that apply to a particular space and the probable costs of compliance.

Forbes

The teams had 2 weeks to identify a current health care issue, devise a feasible solution based on reputable research, analyze market possibilities and probable costs, and prepare a 5-minute presentation to pitch their concept to a panel of venture capitalists and other funders who might help move the new product to market.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your argument, qualify "probable cost" with specific scenarios or conditions that could affect the final figure. For example, "The probable cost, assuming no unforeseen delays, is...".

Common error

Avoid presenting the "probable cost" as a definitive amount. Emphasize that it's an estimate that can vary depending on circumstances. Use language that reflects uncertainty, such as "in the vicinity of" or "approximately".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probable cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "probable" modifies the noun "cost". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is used to describe an expense that is likely to occur based on current estimates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "probable cost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate an estimated expense. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it's suitable for formal communication, it's essential to remember that it represents an estimate, not a definitive amount. Alternatives like "estimated cost" or "likely cost" can be used to convey similar meanings. When writing, avoid presenting the "probable cost" as a precise figure and support your estimation with relevant data or assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely cost

Uses "likely" instead of "probable", indicating a high chance of the expense occurring.

expected cost

Substitutes "probable" with "expected", implying the cost is what is anticipated.

estimated cost

Replaces "probable" with "estimated", focusing on the calculation of the approximate expense.

potential cost

Replaces "probable" with "potential", suggesting a possible but not certain expense.

anticipated cost

Replaces "probable" with "anticipated", highlighting the expectation of the expense.

plausible cost

Substitutes "probable" with "plausible", implying the cost is believable or realistic.

projected cost

Uses "projected" instead of "probable", suggesting a forecast of the expense.

foreseeable cost

Substitutes "probable" with "foreseeable", indicating the cost could have been predicted.

predicted cost

Uses "predicted" instead of "probable", implying the expense was forecast based on data.

reasonable cost

Replaces "probable" with "reasonable", suggesting the cost is fair and justifiable.

FAQs

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

You can use "probable cost" to discuss anticipated expenses, such as, "The "probable cost" of the project is estimated to be around $1 million".

What's a good alternative to using "probable cost"?

Alternatives to "probable cost" include "estimated cost", "likely cost", or "projected cost", depending on the specific context.

How do I estimate the "probable cost" of a project?

Estimating the "probable cost" involves analyzing potential expenses, considering various factors that could influence the final amount, and using historical data or expert opinions to arrive at a reasonable estimate.

What's the difference between "probable cost" and "possible cost"?

"Probable cost" suggests a higher likelihood of the cost occurring based on current information. "Possible cost", /s/possible+cost on the other hand, indicates that the cost is merely one potential outcome among many.