without cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that does not require payment in exchange for it. For example: "The university provides access to its library without cost to students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The success was not without cost.

The New York Times

His provocations were not without cost.

The New York Times - Health

But these privileges are not without cost.

The Economist

Military action never comes without cost.

The New York Times

Exploration is not without cost.

The Guardian - Opinion

No benefits come without cost.

The New York Times

The victory did not come without cost.

The New York Times

The changes do not come without cost.

The New York Times

"But it's not simple and without cost.

The New York Times

That has not come without cost.

The New York Times - Health

Millions responded, posting their resumes without cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without cost", consider specifying who benefits from this lack of cost (e.g. "available without cost to students").

Common error

Don't assume that something offered "without cost" is also "without effort" or commitment. Clearly state any requirements or steps needed to access the free offering to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without cost" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something is provided or available without charge. Ludwig AI validates this, providing numerous examples where it clarifies the absence of financial implications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without cost" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is available free of charge. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples drawn from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its primary function is to assure the audience that there are no financial obligations. While alternatives like "free of charge" and "at no charge" exist, "without cost" offers a versatile and clear way to communicate the absence of financial burden across various contexts. However, be sure to also clarify what is expected from the receiver. "Without cost" should not be confused with also being "without effort".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free of charge

Focuses on the absence of any required payment or fee.

at no charge

Emphasizes that no financial burden is involved.

at no cost to

Specifies that there is no financial impact on a particular entity.

for free

A more casual and direct way of stating something is not priced.

without payment

Directly states the absence of any monetary transaction.

provided freely

Emphasizes the act of giving something without asking for payment.

gratis

A more formal term for something given freely as a gift or favor.

at no expense

Highlights the lack of financial expenditure.

without financial burden

Focuses on the absence of financial strain or obligation.

complimentary

Often used in a business context to indicate something is included as a perk.

FAQs

How can I use "without cost" in a sentence?

You can use "without cost" to indicate that something is provided free of charge. For example, "The software is available "free of charge"" or "The information is available "at no cost" to the user".

What are some alternatives to "without cost"?

Alternatives to "without cost" include "free of charge", "at no charge", "gratis", and "complimentary", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "without any cost"?

Yes, saying "without any cost" is grammatically correct and adds emphasis. It reinforces the idea that there are absolutely no financial implications.

What is the difference between "without cost" and "at no expense"?

"Without cost" and "at no expense" are very similar. "Without cost" is more general, while "at no expense" specifically highlights the absence of expenditure. They can often be used interchangeably.