running cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the ongoing expenses associated with operating a business, vehicle, or equipment. Example: "The running cost of the new delivery van is significantly lower than our previous model, which will help us save money in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So many organisations and households ignore the running cost and seek to minimise the upfront cost.

The Guardian

The show's weekly running cost, about $90,000, is high for a nonunion Off Broadway show.

The New York Times

The annual running cost for three 80m British Royal Navy patrol vessels is $32m.

The Guardian

They are likely to have to pay rent of £2m towards a predicted annual running cost of £5m.

Independent

Income is expected to cover only about a fifth of the stadium's 280m yen (£1.5m) annual running cost.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite its large capitalization, the play has a relatively low running cost, about $80,000 a week.

The New York Times

When I think about how much a bulb costs, it is also worth thinking about the running cost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is, however, currently no power to make them pay directly towards the running cost of the court.

The Guardian

The running cost of an average Broadway musical ranges from $300,000 to $500,000 a week.

The New York Times - Arts

The producer, Jordan Roth, said those concessions had reduced the show's weekly running cost by 30percentt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The PV generator does not incur any running cost/fuel cost since the solar radiation is present throughout the day without any expenditure.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term investments, clearly differentiate between initial capital expenditure and the ongoing "running cost" to provide a comprehensive financial picture.

Common error

Avoid using "running cost" interchangeably with the initial investment or setup costs. "Running cost" refers specifically to the recurring expenses incurred during operation, not the one-time upfront expenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running cost" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the expenses associated with the continuous operation of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running cost" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to ongoing operational expenses. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently used in business, scientific, and news contexts to assess financial implications. When writing, remember to distinguish it from initial investment and consider alternatives like "operating expenses" for nuanced meaning. Therefore, use "running cost" to improve clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating expenses

Focuses on the expenses incurred during the operation of a business or system.

operational costs

Highlights the costs directly related to operational activities.

maintenance expenses

Specifically refers to the costs associated with maintaining something in working order.

upkeep costs

Implies the costs required to keep something in good condition.

cost of operation

Emphasizes the financial burden of operating something.

cost of maintenance

Highlights the expense related to the upkeep and repair.

overhead costs

Refers to the general expenses of running a business.

day-to-day expenses

Focuses on routine costs incurred on a daily basis.

recurring costs

Emphasizes that the costs are ongoing and happen repeatedly.

service costs

Highlights the expense related to providing a service.

FAQs

How do I calculate the "running cost" of a business?

To calculate the "running cost" of a business, include all recurring expenses such as utilities, salaries, rent, maintenance, and marketing. Subtract any one-time costs or initial investments.

What are some alternatives to saying "running cost"?

You can use alternatives like "operating expenses", "operational costs", or "maintenance expenses" depending on the context.

Is "running cost" the same as "startup cost"?

No, the "running cost" is the ongoing expense of maintaining a business, machine, or event. The startup cost covers the initial investment needed to launch the endeavor. The two are entirely different.

Why is it important to track "running costs"?

Tracking "running costs" helps in effective budgeting, identifying areas for cost reduction, and determining the overall profitability and sustainability of a project or business. This is essential for financial planning and decision-making.