provided at cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided at cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is being offered or supplied without any profit margin, essentially at the expense of the supplier. Example: "The materials for the project will be provided at cost to ensure that we stay within budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In NSW, meals are provided at cost and the client pays between $4-$4-$9r a meal.

The Guardian - Opinion

The incubator space is being provided at cost by Trinity Real Estate, and it is leased and managed by the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, the college's school of technology.

The New York Times

We aim to work with suppliers who are recognised as eco-friendly and who provide economical products and services, so that clinical waste services and consumable products are provided at cost effective prices.

The Guardian

A spokesman for Bright Tribe said that all services provided were "in compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook, were provided at cost or less and audited, and the accounts of the trust correctly reflect this".

The Guardian

Much of the housing built with government subsidies is allocated to "social housing"—dwellings provided at "cost rent" far below the market rental value to families with many children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and persons with low incomes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Additional internal wiring to serve additional outlets in any school will be provided at cost.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

HIV care and treatment in India are provided at no cost or minimal cost to PLHIV through a network of public, private and public private healthcare facilities.

BMJ Open

Rabies vaccine was provided at the cost of the owners, and the cost was expensive, from tens to hundreds of Chinese Yuan.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Similarly, UCS members are required to register with a contractor provider network, from which services are provided at no cost.

BMC Public Health

Previous studies explored the impact of cost on MC uptake, but MC services are being provided at no cost in Kenya.

Plosone

Courses were provided at no cost to participating students, and all travel, accommodation, and meal costs for participation in the on-site courses were provided.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provided at cost", clearly specify what costs are included to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it includes material costs, labor, or overhead.

Common error

Avoid using "provided at cost" when you actually mean something is offered for free. "At cost" implies the recipient still needs to cover the expenses incurred by the provider, even if there's no profit involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provided at cost" typically functions as a qualifier or modifier describing the terms under which goods, services, or resources are made available. As Ludwig AI indicates, this implies that the recipient covers the expenses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provided at cost" is a phrase used to describe the act of offering something where the price only covers the expenses incurred, with no profit margin. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to specify financial terms. The phrase appears in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, with neutral formality. Alternatives include "supplied at cost" or "offered at expense". When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding included costs, and avoid confusing it with "provided at no cost", which means something is free.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplied at cost

Replaces "provided" with "supplied", emphasizing the act of furnishing something.

offered at expense

Focuses on the financial burden incurred by the provider.

furnished at cost

Emphasizes the act of equipping or providing what is needed at the base price.

given at cost

Highlights the act of giving something, but only requiring the recipient to cover the expenses.

at-cost provision

This phrase inverts the structure emphasizing the type of provision being made, that is, one where no profit is included in the price.

no-markup supply

Focuses on the absence of any added markup or profit margin in the supply.

break-even pricing

Highlights that the price is set to cover costs without generating profit.

cost-based offering

Emphasizes that the offering is priced based solely on the incurred costs.

non-profit provision

Implies an intent to operate without making a profit and focus on covering expenses.

covered expenses only

This phrase suggests that only the costs are considered, and no profit is aimed for.

FAQs

What does "provided at cost" mean?

The phrase "provided at cost" means that something is supplied or offered at the expense to the provider, covering only the expenses incurred without adding any profit.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "provided at cost"?

Use "provided at cost" when you want to indicate that something is being offered without any profit margin, essentially at the expense of the supplier. You can use alternatives like "supplied at cost" or "offered at expense".

What are some alternatives to "provided at cost"?

Some alternatives include "furnished at cost", "given at cost", or "break-even pricing", depending on the context.

Is "provided at cost" the same as "provided at no cost"?

No, "provided at cost" and "provided at no cost" have opposite meanings. "Provided at cost" implies the recipient covers the expenses, while "provided at no cost" means it's free.