within budget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within budget" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been done or achieved while not exceeding a set budget or amount. For example: "The project finished within budget, leaving enough in the budget for some additional costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were within budget," replied Ms Batmanghelidjh.

Independent

"Every year we came within budget.

Independent

Was it done within budget, to a strict deadline?

The Guardian

But at least the folly was within budget.

The Guardian - Opinion

Auditors found that eight other contracts were within budget.

The New York Times

Producers say they appreciate his ability to work within budget, on Broadway and off.

The New York Times

From her office overlooking the runways, Ms. Baer declared the project "within budget and on time".

The New York Times

And there are doubts about whether Mr. Gulotta can stay within budget.

The New York Times

At that time our focus was on keeping within budget and keeping the costs down.

The Guardian - Sport

Both the Hyde Park and Spertus buildings eliminated certain features to stay within budget.

The New York Times - Arts

A senior Giuliani adviser said the board was crucial to keeping agencies' hiring within budget.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In personal finance contexts, use "within budget" to convey responsible spending habits and financial discipline.

Common error

Avoid assuming "within budget" automatically implies 'cheap'. It means adhering to the planned allocation, not necessarily choosing the lowest-cost option if quality or other factors are prioritized in the original budget.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within budget" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to specify that an action or state is occurring or has occurred without exceeding a predetermined financial limit. Ludwig AI shows multiple examples of using it in news, science and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within budget" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes adherence to financial limitations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate that something was achieved without exceeding the allocated funds. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources suggests its broad applicability across different contexts. Remember that while staying "within budget" is generally positive, it's essential to consider whether cost-cutting measures compromise quality or long-term value. Using related phrases like "under budget" or "cost-effective" can add nuance to your writing. In essence, "within budget" signifies responsible financial management and successful execution of plans under defined financial constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without exceeding the budget

This explicitly states that the spending did not surpass the allocated amount.

meeting budgetary constraints

This alternative emphasizes adhering to the limitations imposed by a budget.

under budget

This alternative suggests spending less than the allocated budget, implying even greater financial prudence.

cost-effective

This term focuses on achieving value for money, often by minimizing expenses.

economical

This alternative suggests careful and efficient use of resources, especially money.

on a shoestring budget

This phrase emphasizes operating with very limited financial resources.

fiscally responsible

This phrase highlights the responsible management of finances.

keeping expenditures in check

This focuses on controlling spending to align with the budget.

staying on track financially

This suggests consistent adherence to the planned financial course.

affordable

Implies that something can be purchased or achieved without causing financial strain.

FAQs

How can I use "within budget" in a sentence?

You can use "within budget" to describe projects, purchases, or activities that adhere to a pre-determined financial plan. For example, "The renovation was completed "within budget", which pleased the homeowners."

What are some alternatives to saying "within budget"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "under budget", "cost-effective", or "economical". These options all convey the idea of managing finances responsibly.

Is it always good to be "within budget"?

Being "within budget" is generally positive, indicating good financial planning and execution. However, it's crucial to ensure that cost-cutting measures don't compromise quality or long-term value. Sometimes, strategic overspending can yield better results.

What does it mean when a project is completed "on time and within budget"?

Completing a project "on time and within budget" signifies successful project management. It demonstrates that the project was delivered according to the planned schedule and financial constraints, indicating efficiency and effective resource allocation.