source of cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin or reason for a particular expense or financial charge in a business or economic context. Example: "The source of cost for this project primarily stems from labor and materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

For them to take on such concerns would only be a distraction and source of cost.

Harvard Business Review

The column also misstated the source of cost estimates for building a semiconductor fabrication plant, or fab.

The New York Times

Maryland legislators view the Washington, D.C. Metro as a source of cost overruns rather than a subway.

The New Yorker

That is because the biggest source of cost overruns is not inventory carrying cost but schedule slippage.

Harvard Business Review

A big source of cost increases are change orders, which are extra charges for any deviation from the plan.

The New York Times

The main source of cost savings was related to expenses involved in the preparation of DNA libraries.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

To examine the relationship between the funding source of cost-effectiveness analyses of healthcare interventions published in Spain and study conclusions.

Atención Primaria

This compromises drilling efficiency and is a significant source of costs for oil producers.

Harvard Business Review

We regard the inefficiency inherent in the profit system as a source of costs that are paid for distributed perception and control in economies.

Yale University

"Down-payments for cars that won't be delivered for years are, however, a handy source of cost-free working capital.

Forbes

So, despite living in a world dominated by Instagram double-taps and influencer marketing, strategic email marketing remains a constant source of cost-effective growth.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing project budgets, clearly identify and categorize each "source of cost" to improve accuracy and allow for more effective cost management.

Common error

Avoid using "source of cost" when you actually mean "cost-effective". The former refers to the origin of an expense, while the latter describes something that provides good value for the money.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of cost" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or cause of an expense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating it adheres to standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of cost" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to identify the origin of expenses, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to inform and pinpoint the cause of financial burdens across various contexts, notably science, news, and business. While the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, it's advisable to distinguish it from similar terms like "cost driver" for conciseness, or to avoid confusion with "cost-effective". When analyzing financial data, clearly categorizing each "source of cost" is essential for accurate cost management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cost driver

This is a more concise term that directly identifies what is increasing expenses.

origin of expense

This alternative focuses on the starting point of the expenditure.

cause of expenditure

This phrase highlights the reason why money is being spent.

reason for the cost

This alternative uses simpler language to convey the same meaning.

where costs originate

This phrase focuses on pinpointing the location or activity that initiates the cost.

factors contributing to cost

This alternative broadens the scope to include multiple influences on the overall cost.

elements increasing cost

This highlights the specific components that lead to a rise in expenses.

cost inflators

This term identifies specific items or events that make costs higher.

expense generator

This alternative directly implies an activity or item that consistently produces expenses.

financial burden's root

This alternative highlights the underlying cause of a financial strain.

FAQs

How can I identify the main "source of cost" in a project?

Start by breaking down all project expenses into categories such as labor, materials, and overhead. Then, analyze which categories consume the largest portion of the budget to pinpoint the primary "source of cost".

What are some alternatives to "source of cost"?

You can use alternatives like "cost driver", "origin of expense", or "cause of expenditure" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "source of cost" and "cost impact"?

The "source of cost" refers to the origin or cause of an expense, while "cost impact" refers to the effect that expense has on the overall budget or financial performance.

How do you determine if something is a significant "source of cost"?

Assess the magnitude of the expense relative to the total budget. If a particular item or activity consistently represents a substantial portion of the overall costs, it can be considered a significant "source of cost".