which may cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which may cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential expenses or implications associated with a decision or action. Example: "The new software implementation comes with several features, which may cost more than we initially budgeted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the genesis of the "cashgate" scandal, a systematic looting of public money, which may cost Joyce Banda the country's presidency in elections due on May 20th.An independent report into the scandal published this week by Baker Tilly, a British accountancy firm, describes the scale of the theft and how it operated.

The Economist

Which may cost her, Mr. Fierstein said.

The New York Times

He's telling us what to do, which may cost us trillions of dollars.

The New York Times

These figures include drug therapy, which may cost $5,000 a year, he said.

The New York Times

The White House and Congress are scrambling to respond with new jobs legislation, which may cost $200 billion or more.

The New York Times

A swiveling office chair, which may cost hundreds of dollars new, can be had for about $25.

The New York Times

But it can be less expensive than some other radiation methods, which may cost as much as $50,000.

The New York Times - Health

The scammer makes his money from your call to that premium rate number, which may cost you £10.

The Guardian - Tech

His team will now decide whether to hire new builders to complete the work, which may cost another $1.5 billion.

The Economist

He conceded that Labour's turmoil over the Government's Welfare Bill was a "turning point" which may cost him the leadership.

Independent

It has until the end of the year to come up with a new formula, which may cost more money.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which may cost", ensure the preceding clause clearly identifies what the potential cost is associated with. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "which may cost" without a clear antecedent. Ensure that the 'which' refers to something specific in the sentence, otherwise, rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which may cost" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, adding extra information about a preceding noun or clause. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase introduces a possible financial implication or expense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which may cost" is a versatile relative clause used to introduce a potential financial implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed in news, scientific, and business contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure the 'which' has a clear antecedent. Consider alternatives like "that could potentially cost" for slight variations in tone. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can use this phrase effectively in your writing to convey potential expenses or consequences with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could potentially cost

Emphasizes the potential nature of the cost.

that might incur expenses

Uses more formal language to describe potential costs.

that could lead to charges

Focuses on the charges or fees that may arise.

that may require an investment of

Highlights the investment aspect of the cost.

that could result in an outlay of

Emphasizes the expenditure of funds.

which may necessitate payment

Focuses on the obligatory nature of the cost.

that may involve a financial burden

Highlights the negative aspect of the cost.

that might necessitate spending

Focuses on the action of spending money.

that could carry a price tag of

Uses a more descriptive and visual term for cost.

that may demand a sum of money

Emphasizes the amount of money that is required.

FAQs

How can I use "which may cost" in a sentence?

You can use "which may cost" to introduce a potential expense or consequence related to a previous action or decision. For example, "Implementing this new system, "which may cost" a significant amount, will improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to using "which may cost"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that could potentially cost", "that might incur expenses", or "that could lead to charges". These alternatives offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis. See also "that could potentially cost".

Is it correct to say "that may cost" instead of "which may cost"?

Yes, "that may cost" is grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably with "which may cost", especially in restrictive clauses. However, "which may cost" is generally preferred in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional, non-essential information.

What is the difference between "which may cost" and "which will cost"?

"Which may cost" indicates a possibility or uncertainty about the expense. "Which will cost" suggests a definite and certain expense. The choice depends on whether the cost is confirmed or still potential.