whatever the expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever the expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will be done regardless of the cost or consequences involved. Example: "She was determined to finish the project, whatever the expense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I can prevent your being published, and, whatever the expense, whatever the effort, I will".

The New York Times

Whatever the expense, though, the brief lease will allow Mr. Wye to penetrate the Manhattan market while keeping overhead low.

The New York Times

They're very motivated to work for you and work for the company, and I think the output is just tremendous compared to whatever the expense was.

The New York Times

But big-time fire suppression is like war -- federally financed, whatever the expense -- with bulldozers, helicopters, planes and legions of foot soldiers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If the league cancels at any point from Saturday until Jan . 1 it will forfeit the same $100,000 and whatever expenses the university incurs up to the time of cancellation.

The New York Times - Sports

But whatever the message is, it's delivered at the expense of humour.

The Guardian - Film

Whatever the case may be, handling your expenses wisely is a necessity.

Huffington Post

"That whatever the Soviet Union did at enormous difficulty and expense, in principle can be done cheaply and easily with modern technology".

The Guardian - Opinion

Several of his own people pass him by on that dangerous road, but a Samaritan man, who would normally be considered an enemy, actually stops, tends to his wounds, takes him to safety at an inn, and tells the innkeeper that he'll pay whatever expenses the man incurs until he's well.

Huffington Post

As for the costs, whatever modest new expense the county bears will be well worth the benefits of bringing a measure of fairness to a system that forces some couples and families to pay far more for their medical coverage -- or to do without it -- merely because they or their parents are gay or lesbian.

The New York Times

When the growth of the nuclei was interrupted by switching off the polarization, the system was not stable and the reduced regions partially oxidizes at expenses of the oxidized ones that partially reduces, whatever the intermediate growth of the nuclei.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whatever the expense" to convey a strong sense of determination and commitment to achieving a goal, even if it requires significant financial resources. It adds emphasis and can highlight the importance of the objective.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever the expense" in everyday conversation or informal writing where simpler phrases like "no matter the cost" or "at any cost" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly dramatic or formal in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever the expense" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating a condition under which an action will be taken. It introduces the idea that cost is not a barrier to achieving a particular goal or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever the expense" is a grammatically correct and emphatic phrase used to convey a willingness to prioritize a goal without being limited by cost. It is best suited for neutral to professional contexts, such as news reporting or formal announcements, where the emphasis is on determination and the importance of the objective. While the frequency of this phrase is rare, when used appropriately, it effectively highlights the significance of achieving a goal, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of the cost

Replaces "whatever the expense" with a more direct and common synonym focusing solely on monetary cost.

at any cost

Emphasizes a firm commitment, suggesting that no price is too high to pay.

no matter the price

Similar to "at any cost", but uses "price" to imply a broader range of sacrifices, not just monetary.

expense is no object

Highlights that cost is not a limiting factor or concern in achieving the objective.

irrespective of the expenditure

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "regardless of the cost".

cost be damned

An informal and emphatic way to convey a disregard for expense.

without considering the cost

Focuses on the lack of attention given to the cost implications.

regardless of the financial burden

Specifically highlights the potential negative financial impact, which is to be ignored.

money is no object

Similar to "expense is no object", but more conversational.

price is secondary

Suggests that the primary focus is on the outcome, with cost being a less important consideration.

FAQs

What does "whatever the expense" mean?

The phrase "whatever the expense" means that someone is willing to pay any amount of money or incur any cost to achieve a particular goal or outcome. It signifies that cost is not a primary concern.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "whatever the expense"?

It's appropriate to use "whatever the expense" when you want to emphasize that the cost is not a limiting factor. This phrase is often used in situations where the goal is extremely important, and resources will be allocated to it "regardless of the cost".

Are there alternative phrases to "whatever the expense" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternative phrases such as "at any cost", "regardless of the price", or "expense is no object". The best alternative depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "whatever the expense" formal or informal?

"Whatever the expense" is generally considered a semi-formal phrase. While not overly casual, it's more emphatic than simpler alternatives like "no matter the cost" and it can be used effectively in professional and news contexts.