to offset the cost of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to offset the cost of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to balance or counteract expenses associated with a particular item or service. Example: "The company implemented a new marketing strategy to offset the cost of production."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will work with students who have demonstrated financial need to offset the cost of travel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Interns receive $5000 to offset the cost of living and airfare.

Harvard University

In such cases, GSAS will provide matching funds to offset the cost of the fellowship.

Columbia University

This funding is to offset the cost of transportation and housing while off-campus.

Harvard University

"It's to offset the cost of milk, meats and cheeses," he said.

The New York Times

Congress could provide a tax credit to offset the cost of health insurance, for example.

The New York Times

But the rings are not usually worth enough to offset the cost of litigation".

The New York Times

His answer was breathtaking: "You do need to offset the cost of increased spending.

The New York Times

It is also a tool to offset the cost of insuring the very ill.

The Economist

The author's estimate on what it would take to offset the cost of providing insurance is understated.

University of California, Berkeley

Medallions for modified minivans cost less, to offset the cost of the modifications and the higher cost of operation.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to offset the cost of", be specific about what measures are being taken. For instance, instead of saying "We're taking steps to offset costs", specify "We're increasing ad sales to offset the cost of printing."

Common error

Avoid using "to offset the cost of" without clearly identifying both the cost and the offsetting action. Ambiguity can weaken your argument or confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to offset the cost of" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It explains the reason or aim behind a particular action, indicating an intention to balance or counteract expenses. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

31%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to offset the cost of" is a widely used and grammatically correct infinitive phrase that expresses the purpose of counterbalancing expenses. Ludwig shows its prevalence in news, academic, and business contexts. While often neutral in tone, it's important to use this phrase with specificity to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrasing can provide nuance, but careful consideration should be given to retain the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to mitigate the expense of

Focuses on reducing the severity of the expense, suggesting a proactive approach to minimize financial impact.

to defray the charges for

Refers to providing payment for expenses, often partially, easing the financial responsibility.

to counterbalance the outlay for

Implies an equalizing action, suggesting a direct effort to create equilibrium with the costs.

to subsidize the payment of

Highlights support of costs by third party.

to alleviate the financial burden of

Highlights the act of easing or relieving the weight of financial obligations.

to diminish the financial impact of

Concentrates on decreasing the effect that the costs are going to have on your finance.

to minimize the expenditure on

Emphasizes the reduction of spending, suggesting a focus on frugality and efficiency.

to counter the economics of

Highlights that costs are being fought with economics strategies.

to curtail the price of

Suggests limiting or restricting the cost, indicating a desire to keep expenses under control.

to shrink the financial liability of

Emphasizes the reduction of obligations, suggesting a focus on debt management and fiscal prudence.

FAQs

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

You can use "to offset the cost of" to explain how expenses are being counterbalanced. For example, "The company is using tax credits "to offset the cost of" health insurance".

What are some alternatives to "to offset the cost of"?

Alternatives include "to mitigate the expense of", "to alleviate the financial burden of", or "to defray the charges for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "offset the cost of" or "offset the price of"?

While both "cost" and "price" can be used, "cost" generally refers to the total expenditure, while "price" refers to what a seller asks for a product. Use "cost" when referring to the overall expense and "price" when referring to the seller's asking amount.

What's the difference between "to offset the cost of" and "to reduce the cost of"?

"To offset the cost of" implies counterbalancing expenses, possibly through revenue or savings, while "to reduce the cost of" focuses on simply lowering the initial expense.