unexpected costs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected costs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to expenses that were not anticipated or planned for in a budget or financial projection. Example: "During the project, we encountered several unexpected costs that impacted our overall budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

UNEXPECTED COSTS Several not-so-obvious costs may also arise.

The New York Times

Were there any unexpected costs?

The New York Times

But before the cafe opened, unexpected costs appeared.

The New York Times - Food

Since tracking her spending, she noticed unexpected costs, such as toiletries and hair appointments.

The Guardian

Losing that support all at once can mean hundreds of dollars a month in unexpected costs.

The New York Times

But experts say poor workmanship and unexpected costs risk turning a buyer's dream into a nightmare.

The Guardian - Money

On the expense side, some governors said they were paying unexpected costs for security.

The New York Times

It has quarrelled with the Vogtle consortium over the design, causing unexpected costs and delays.

The Economist

Local officials are upset about tens of millions of dollars in unexpected costs.

The New York Times

Those trends, coupled with a few other unexpected costs, added $160 million to the yearly Medicaid tab, budget officials said.

The New York Times

To be sure, not every guest is intent on poring over bills to see if unexpected costs have crept in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before undertaking a major project or purchase, research potential "unexpected costs" that may not be immediately obvious. Thorough preparation can help you avoid unpleasant financial surprises.

Common error

Failing to adequately plan for "unexpected costs" can lead to budget deficits and project delays. Always overestimate potential expenses and set aside additional funds for unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected costs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to expenses that were not anticipated. As exemplified in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to describe financial burdens that arise without prior planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected costs" refers to unforeseen expenses that can impact budgets and financial plans. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. Planning for these costs is crucial, and alternative phrases like "unforeseen expenses" or "surprise fees" can be used to add nuance. Allocating a contingency fund and thoroughly researching potential expenses are key strategies for mitigating the impact of these "unexpected costs".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen expenses

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the expenses.

unanticipated expenditures

Highlights the lack of anticipation in the spending.

sudden financial burdens

Emphasizes the abrupt and burdensome nature of the costs.

unplanned outlays

Stresses the absence of planning in the financial disbursements.

surprise fees

Highlights that costs were a surprise.

hidden charges

Focuses on the obscurity of the costs until they are incurred.

contingency expenses

Expenses that are set aside in case of contingency.

additional financial commitments

Emphasizes the added financial responsibilities.

emergency financial needs

Costs that relate to an emergency situation.

unexpected liabilities

Highlights unforeseen financial obligations or debts.

FAQs

How can I prepare for "unexpected costs"?

Building an emergency fund and setting aside a portion of your budget for unplanned expenses are effective strategies. Regularly review your budget to identify areas where you can cut back to create more financial flexibility.

What are some examples of "unexpected costs"?

Examples include car repairs, medical bills, home repairs, and emergency travel expenses. These are costs that typically aren't factored into a regular budget.

What can I say instead of "unexpected costs"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen expenses", "unanticipated expenditures", or "surprise fees" depending on the context.

How do "unexpected costs" differ from planned expenses?

"Unexpected costs" are expenses that arise without prior planning or anticipation, while planned expenses are those that are budgeted for and expected. Efficient budgeting will differentiate between planned and unplanned costs.