the basic cost of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the basic cost of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental or essential expenses associated with a product, service, or project. Example: "Before we proceed, let's review the basic cost of the materials needed for the construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Imagine a Britain where the government pays every adult the basic cost of living.

The Guardian

Access to the collections is provided free of charge, including the basic cost of shipping material.

Harvard University

Calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK, the living wage is currently £7.85 an hour.

The Guardian - Books

The basic cost of a coach seat for the whole route, one way, ranges from $81 to $158.

The New York Times - Travel

The living wage is independently set each year, according to the basic cost of living in the UK.

The Guardian

Without guaranteed shelter and with limited aid, many new arrivals say the basic cost of survival is their biggest challenge.

The New York Times

Before September 11th, the basic cost of resettling a single refugee was about $1,500 per person.

The Economist

Developed in the 1960s, the poverty threshold represents the basic cost of food for a household, multiplied by three.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Once associates reach the top of the range, they are not supposed to get further raises — beyond the basic cost-of-living increases that also push up the pay range — unless they are promoted.

The New York Times

According to a study done by Ohio State University consumer science professor, Robert Scharff, "The basic cost-of-illness model includes economic estimates for medical costs, productivity losses, and illness-related death.

Huffington Post

And the basic costs of living and working have risen so terrifyingly high.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets or financial planning, use "the basic cost of" to clearly identify the minimum expenditure required for a project, service, or product. This helps in setting realistic expectations and avoiding underestimation.

Common error

Avoid using "the basic cost of" when you actually mean the total cost, which includes additional fees, taxes, and other charges. "The basic cost of" refers only to the initial or fundamental expense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basic cost of" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies and refers to the fundamental expenses associated with something, whether it's a product, service, or way of life. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basic cost of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that denotes the essential expenses tied to a particular item, service, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be utilized in a wide array of contexts. Its prevalence in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to the fundamental expenses, rather than the total expenses, to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives such as "the fundamental cost of" or "the essential expense of" when a slightly different nuance is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental cost of

Replaces 'basic' with 'fundamental', emphasizing the foundational nature of the cost.

the essential expense of

Substitutes 'cost' with 'expense', highlighting the obligatory nature of the payment.

the minimum price of

Focuses on the lowest possible amount one has to pay.

the starting price for

Emphasizes the initial amount required to acquire something.

the baseline expenditure for

Uses more formal terms like 'baseline' and 'expenditure' to denote the original spending.

the initial investment in

Highlights the upfront capital outlay.

the core expenditure on

Replaces 'basic' with 'core', emphasizing the central nature of the expenditure.

the primary outlay for

Uses 'primary' and 'outlay' to convey the main expense.

the introductory fee for

Focuses on a charge or payment serving to grant admission to a privilege or organization.

the preliminary charge for

Highlights an expense which precedes or prepares for the main matter or event.

FAQs

How can I use "the basic cost of" in a sentence?

You can use "the basic cost of" to refer to the minimum expenses needed for something. For example, "The basic cost of living in the UK is calculated annually" or "Let's focus on "the basic cost of materials" before considering labor."

What phrases are similar to "the basic cost of"?

Similar phrases include "the fundamental cost of", "the essential expense of", or "the minimum price of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the basic cost for" instead of "the basic cost of"?

While "the basic cost for" might be understood, "the basic cost of" is the more standard and grammatically preferred phrasing. It clearly indicates that you're talking about the cost associated with something.

What's the difference between "the basic cost of" and "the average cost of"?

"The basic cost of" refers to the minimum or essential expense, while "the average cost of" represents the typical cost, considering a range of prices and factors. The average cost may include additional or variable expenses.