purchase cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purchase cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the total amount of money spent to acquire a product or service. Example: "The purchase cost of the new software was higher than we initially budgeted for."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The company did not reveal the purchase cost Tuesday, but said the $160 million they generate in annual revenues will cover the purchase cost.

The New York Times

Rents achievable on larger properties don't sufficiently reflect the higher purchase cost.

The Guardian - Money

Like much new technology, the purchase cost may start high until mass production becomes viable.

The Guardian

He was classified as an importer because his purchase cost more than $250, and he became familiar with some of the intricacies of the importing business.

The New Yorker

An owner can always sell the share and recoup as much of the purchase cost as the market affords, he said.

The New York Times

The miles, sold in increments of 1,000 with a 2,000-mile 2,000-milerchase, cost 3 cents each, including tax and $25 processing.

The New York Times - Travel

The buyers will want to push down their purchase cost, but for Lomax this can be an opportunity to up-sell.

The Guardian

Pump purchase cost (US$).

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Steam turbine purchase cost (US$).

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Heat regenerator purchase cost (US$).

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

C purchase cost (US$ per unit).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing different options, clearly state all factors contributing to the "purchase cost", including taxes, shipping, and installation fees, to provide an accurate comparison.

Common error

Don't only focus on the sticker price. Remember to consider associated expenses like maintenance, upgrades, or training, which can significantly impact the total cost of ownership and budget planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purchase cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies the expense associated with acquiring an item or service. As illustrated by Ludwig, it's used to discuss financial considerations across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "purchase cost" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the expense of acquiring goods or services. As Ludwig confirms, this term is used across various contexts, including science, news, and business. While alternatives like "acquisition cost" or "buying price" exist, "purchase cost" remains a straightforward and widely understood option. When discussing "purchase cost", it's important to consider all contributing factors beyond the initial price to prevent errors, such as hidden maintenance, installation or taxation. Ludwig AI reports, the most authoritative sources using this phrase are the Journal of Industrial Engineering International, The New York Times, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

price of purchase

Simply reverses the word order while maintaining the core meaning of the original phrase.

acquisition cost

Focuses on the cost incurred during the process of acquiring something, potentially including additional expenses beyond the initial price.

cost of acquisition

Similar to "acquisition cost", this phrase clearly states that it's the cost associated with acquiring something.

buying price

Emphasizes the price paid at the moment of buying, often used in transactional contexts.

procurement cost

Highlights the expenses related to the process of obtaining goods or services, often in a business or organizational setting.

initial investment

Implies a broader scope, encompassing all upfront expenses made when starting a project or venture.

investment price

Indicates the price paid when acquiring something with the expectation of future returns or benefits.

capital outlay

Refers to a significant expenditure of money, particularly for fixed assets like property or equipment.

upfront expense

Draws attention to the expenses paid at the beginning of a process or project.

total expenditure

Encompasses all expenses related to a purchase, including any additional or hidden fees.

FAQs

What's the difference between "purchase cost" and "purchase price"?

While often used interchangeably, "purchase cost" may encompass additional expenses beyond the "purchase price", such as taxes, shipping, or installation fees. The "purchase price" refers specifically to the initial amount paid for an item.

What are some alternatives to "purchase cost"?

You can use alternatives such as "acquisition cost", "procurement cost", or "buying price" depending on the context. These phrases all refer to the expense of acquiring something.

How can I calculate the total "purchase cost"?

To calculate the total "purchase cost", you should include the initial price of the item plus any additional fees such as taxes, shipping, installation, and any other associated costs. This gives you a complete picture of your expenditure.

Why is it important to consider the "purchase cost"?

Considering the "purchase cost" is crucial for budgeting and making informed financial decisions. It helps you accurately assess the affordability of an item or service and compare different options effectively.