- Have you ever wondered if you should “pay” a cost or “bear” a cost?
- Do you know the difference between “hidden costs” and “extra costs”?
- Are you looking for more natural ways to describe how much something is worth beyond just using the word “price”?
Mastering cost collocations is a vital step toward achieving English fluency. In English, we don’t just use words in isolation; we use them in “chunks” or patterns. For learners, using the right verb or adjective with “cost” reduces “Language Anxiety” by helping you sound more like a native speaker and ensuring your message is professional and clear. Whether you are discussing a business budget or personal expenses, these common pairings are essential for your daily vocabulary.
Common Collocations with COST as a Verb
When used as a verb, “cost” describes the amount of money or effort required to achieve or buy something. It is an irregular verb (cost-cost-cost), and it often takes an indirect object.
Describing High Prices and Value
- Cost a fortune: To be extremely expensive.
Example: “Repairing the engine on that old car is going to cost a fortune.” - Cost an arm and a leg: A very common idiom for something that is priced very high.
Example: “The front-row tickets to the concert cost an arm and a leg.” - Cost a pretty penny: A slightly more formal way to say something is expensive.
Example: “That custom-made suit must have cost a pretty penny.” - Cost next to nothing: To be very cheap.
Example: “If you buy your vegetables at the local market, they cost next to nothing.”
Figurative and Social Consequences
- Cost dearly: When a mistake results in a heavy loss (money, time, or reputation).
Example: “His lack of preparation cost him dearly during the interview.” - Cost someone their job: To result in someone losing their employment.
Example: “The data breach cost the IT manager his job.” - Cost someone their life: To result in death.
Example: “Driving without a seatbelt can cost you your life.”
Essential Collocations using COST as a Noun
As a noun, “cost” refers to the amount of money needed for a specific purpose. It is frequently modified by adjectives to give more detail about the type of expense.
Adjectives Describing Types of Costs
- Hidden costs: Expenses that are not immediately obvious when you first buy something.
Example: “Be careful when booking cheap flights; there are often hidden costs for luggage.” - Fixed costs: Costs that do not change based on how much you produce (e.g., rent).
Example: “Our business needs to lower its fixed costs to stay profitable.” - Rising costs: When prices are steadily increasing.
Example: “Families are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of electricity.” - Estimated cost: A calculated guess of what something will price.
Example: “The estimated cost for the home renovation is $20,000.”
Verbs used with the Noun “Cost”
- Cover the cost: To have enough money to pay for something.
Example: “The insurance company will cover the cost of the repairs.” - Cut costs: To reduce the amount of money spent.
Example: “The company had to cut costs by reducing the travel budget.” - Incur costs: A formal way to say you have become liable for an expense.
Example: “You will incur additional costs if you return the rental car late.” - Bear the cost: To be the person or group responsible for paying.
Example: “The taxpayers will ultimately have to bear the cost of the new stadium.”
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cost a fortune | Verb Phrase | Very expensive |
| Cut costs | Verb + Noun | To reduce spending |
| Hidden costs | Adjective + Noun | Unseen expenses |
| Incur costs | Verb + Noun | To experience a new expense |
| Cost dearly | Verb + Adverb | To have a high negative impact |
| Fixed costs | Adjective + Noun | Constant expenses |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Many learners translate directly from their native language, leading to “word-for-word” errors. Use the table below to correct common mistakes in cost collocations.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make a cost (X) | Incur a cost or Bear a cost |
| The cost is very cheap (X) | The cost is low or The price is low |
| It costed me $5 (X) | It cost me $5 (Past tense is “cost”) |
| Economic cost (when referring to price) (X) | Low cost or Affordable |
Note: While “costed” exists, it is only used in technical accounting contexts meaning “to estimate the price of something.” For general usage, the past tense of cost is “cost.”
“I recently received an estimated cost for our new office project, but I am worried about hidden costs like shipping and installation. If we don’t manage to cut costs in other departments, the total project might cost a fortune. Our director has agreed to cover the cost of the furniture, but the marketing team will have to bear the cost of the new signage.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost Collocations
Is the past tense of ‘cost’ always ‘cost’?
In most everyday situations, yes. “Yesterday it cost $10.” However, in a professional business or accounting context, you might hear “costed” when someone is determining the price of a project (e.g., “We costed the project at $5,000”).
What is the difference between ‘cost’ and ‘price’?
‘Price’ is the amount a seller asks for. ‘Cost’ is the amount a buyer must pay to acquire or maintain something. You ask, “What is the price?”, but you say, “The cost of living is high.”
Which preposition follows the noun ‘cost’?
We usually use ‘of’. For example, “The cost of the flight was high.” We can also use ‘at’ for specific phrases like “at a cost of $500” or “at any cost.”
Can ‘cost’ be used as a plural?
Yes. When referring to various types of expenses (like rent, food, and electricity), we use “costs.” For example, “The company is looking for ways to reduce its operating costs.”
What does ‘at all costs’ mean?
This is a common collocation meaning that something must be done regardless of the effort or money required. For example, “We must finish the project by Friday at all costs.”
When speaking, I often hesitate trying to find the right word. Knowing these collocations helps reduce that 'Language Anxiety' you mentioned. Thank you for making learning so practical!
We're so glad to hear that, Carlos! Reducing language anxiety is one of our main goals. Learning words in collocations, or 'chunks,' makes recall faster and more automatic, which naturally reduces hesitation. Keep practicing these phrases, and you'll notice a significant improvement in your fluency and confidence!
This article really clarifies why sometimes my English sounds a bit 'flat'. I was missing these dynamic collocations! I especially like 'cost a fortune'.
I'm curious about the origin of 'cost an arm and a leg'. Does anyone know where that came from?
That's a fascinating etymological question, Ben! While the exact origin is debated, a popular theory suggests it emerged after World War I or II, referencing the high price paid by soldiers who lost limbs in battle. Another theory links it to portraits where painting full bodies (including arms and legs) cost more than just a bust. Regardless, it vividly conveys a very high price! It's a great example of how language reflects history and culture.
My biggest struggle is always sounding natural. 'Using words in chunks' makes so much sense! I'll try to memorize these as phrases rather than individual words from now on.
Could the article expand a bit more on 'cost' as a noun with collocations? For example, 'at all costs' or 'production costs'. I find those equally interesting.
Thanks for the excellent suggestion, David! You've hit upon some wonderful examples of 'cost' as a noun. 'At all costs' means 'whatever it takes,' emphasizing determination (e.g., 'We must protect our environment at all costs'). 'Production costs' are the expenses incurred in manufacturing goods. We'll definitely consider a follow-up article exploring noun collocations with 'cost' in more detail based on valuable feedback like yours!
This is so useful for business English! Discussing budgets and expenses naturally is much easier with these collocations. I'm going to start using them in my next meeting.
The article mentioned 'cost an arm and a leg' as an idiom for expensive. Are there other similar idioms or phrases for things that are moderately expensive, not just extremely?
That's a great thought, Kim! For moderately expensive items, you might hear 'It's a bit pricey' or 'It's not cheap.' Sometimes people say 'It cost a pretty penny' for something that costs a fair amount. These are less dramatic than 'arm and a leg' but still convey a higher-than-average price. Expanding your vocabulary with these nuanced phrases truly enhances your fluency!
I loved the part about 'mastering cost collocations is a vital step toward achieving English fluency'. It really motivates me to learn these specific phrases. This blog is always so encouraging!
Are there any common misuses of 'cost' that learners should be aware of, besides using 'pay a cost' instead of 'bear a cost'?
Excellent query, Omar! One common mistake is confusing 'cost' as a verb with 'price' as a noun. For instance, 'How much does it cost?' is correct, not 'What is the cost it?' Also, as João mentioned, remembering 'cost' is an irregular verb (cost-cost-cost) is key, as learners sometimes incorrectly say 'costed'. Your awareness of 'pay/bear a cost' shows great attention to detail and will help you avoid subtle errors!
As an English teacher, I find this article invaluable for explaining the nuances of 'cost' to my intermediate students. The 'chunks' idea is perfect for fluency development. Thanks for this fantastic resource!