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B1 noun #7 가장 일반적인 12분 분량

costs

상위 7

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 costs 30초 만에

설명 costs in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'costs' is primarily introduced as a verb used to ask about and state the price of everyday items. Beginners learn the basic question structure: 'How much does it cost?' and the corresponding answer: 'It costs...'. At this stage, the focus is on singular items and simple numbers. Students learn to associate 'costs' with shopping, food, and basic services. The goal is to enable the learner to function in a simple retail environment. The plural noun form 'costs' is rarely introduced at this level, as the focus is on the most immediate and practical use of the word in the singular verb form. Exercises usually involve matching prices to items or completing simple dialogues in a shop. The concept of 'costs' as a sacrifice or a business expense is too advanced for this stage. Instead, the word is a gateway to learning numbers, currency, and basic transactional English. By the end of A1, a student should be able to confidently ask the price of a souvenir or a meal and understand the answer given by a clerk.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to expand their use of 'costs' to include more varied subjects and slightly more complex sentences. They move beyond just 'it costs' to 'the tickets cost' or 'the books cost', though the focus remains largely on the verb. Students also start to encounter the word in the context of travel and planning, such as 'The flight costs more than the hotel.' The idea of 'costs' as a plural noun might be introduced in a very simple way, such as 'travel costs' or 'living costs', referring to a group of related expenses. At this level, learners are expected to handle basic comparisons using 'costs', such as 'This one costs less than that one.' They also begin to learn that the past tense of 'cost' is also 'cost', which is a unique irregular verb pattern. The vocabulary starts to include common collocations like 'high costs' and 'low costs'. Exercises at this level might involve comparing the prices of different holiday packages or calculating the total cost of a list of items, helping students build functional numeracy in English.

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At the B1 level, 'costs' becomes a more nuanced term as students are introduced to its use in business and professional contexts. This is where the plural noun 'costs' is used frequently to describe 'production costs', 'operating costs', or 'hidden costs'. Learners at this level should understand that 'costs' refers to the total amount of money spent on a project or business activity. They also begin to use the word metaphorically, such as 'The mistake costs us time.' The B1 level introduces more sophisticated collocations like 'reduce costs', 'estimate costs', and 'cover the costs'. Students are expected to be able to discuss their own expenses or the budget of a small project using this word. They also start to encounter idiomatic expressions like 'at all costs', which adds a layer of emphasis to their speech. In writing, B1 students should be able to write a simple report or email discussing the costs of an event or a new piece of equipment. The distinction between 'cost' (singular price) and 'costs' (plural expenses) becomes more important at this stage of proficiency.

At the B2 level, learners are expected to use 'costs' with precision in a variety of formal and informal settings. They should be comfortable using the word in complex business discussions, such as analyzing 'marginal costs' or 'opportunity costs'. The metaphorical use of the word becomes more common, with students discussing the 'human costs' of social issues or the 'environmental costs' of industrialization. B2 learners should also be aware of the technical use of 'costed' in business (meaning to estimate the cost) and know when to avoid it in general conversation. They can use a wide range of synonyms like 'expenditure', 'outlay', and 'overhead' to avoid repetition and add detail to their communication. At this level, students can participate in debates about economic policies, using 'costs' to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. They are also expected to understand the nuances of legal 'costs' in the context of court cases. Exercises at this level often involve analyzing case studies or writing persuasive essays where 'costs' is a central theme.

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At the C1 level, 'costs' is used with the sophistication of a near-native speaker. Learners can navigate the subtle differences between 'costs', 'charges', 'fees', and 'prices' with ease. They use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as 'litigation costs', 'sunk costs', and 'externalized costs'. C1 students can discuss complex economic theories where 'costs' is a fundamental concept, such as the 'cost-benefit analysis' of large-scale infrastructure projects. They are also adept at using the word in literary or philosophical contexts, discussing the 'cost of fame' or the 'cost of progress' with depth and insight. At this level, the learner's use of 'costs' is characterized by a high degree of idiomatic accuracy and a wide range of collocations. They can write detailed financial reports, legal summaries, or academic papers where 'costs' is analyzed from multiple perspectives. The ability to use the word to express irony or subtle emphasis is also a hallmark of this level. C1 learners can engage in high-level negotiations where 'costs' are a primary point of contention, using the word to advocate for their position effectively.

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At the C2 level, the word 'costs' is used with total mastery and a deep understanding of its etymological and cultural resonances. The learner can use the word in any context, from the most technical financial audit to the most abstract philosophical treatise. They are aware of the historical development of the word and can appreciate its use in classic literature and historical documents. C2 speakers can manipulate the word for rhetorical effect, using it in metaphors and analogies that are both creative and precise. They have a complete command of all idiomatic expressions involving 'costs' and can even create their own variations for stylistic purposes. In professional settings, they can lead discussions on global economic 'costs', integrating financial, social, and environmental data into a coherent analysis. The C2 level represents the pinnacle of linguistic achievement, where 'costs' is not just a word for money, but a tool for expressing the complex trade-offs and sacrifices that define the human experience. At this level, the distinction between the noun and verb forms is instinctive, and the learner's usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

costs 30초 만에

Costs refers to the money spent on something or the price of an item.
It can be a plural noun for expenses or a singular verb for price.
Commonly used in business, legal, and everyday shopping contexts.
Also used metaphorically for sacrifices of time, health, or effort.

The word costs is a versatile term in the English language that functions both as a plural noun and as the third-person singular form of the verb 'to cost'. Understanding its dual nature is essential for mastering business English and everyday conversation. As a noun, 'costs' refers to the total amount of money that must be spent to achieve a specific goal, run a business, or complete a legal process. It is rarely just about a single price tag; rather, it encompasses the accumulation of various expenses. For instance, when a company discusses its 'operating costs', it is referring to the sum of rent, salaries, utilities, and raw materials. This plural usage highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of financial outlays in professional contexts.

Financial Context: In business, costs are often categorized into fixed and variable types to help in budgeting and financial forecasting.

When used as a verb, 'costs' describes the action of requiring a specific payment. It is used with singular subjects like 'it', 'the car', or 'the meal'. For example, 'It costs five dollars' tells us the price of a single item. This distinction is a common stumbling block for learners, as the 's' at the end of 'costs' can signal either a plural noun or a singular verb agreement. Beyond the literal financial meaning, 'costs' is frequently used metaphorically to describe the personal, social, or emotional sacrifices required to achieve something. We might speak of the 'human costs' of a war or the 'emotional costs' of a high-pressure career, indicating that the price paid is not always measured in currency but in well-being or life.

The total costs of the renovation exceeded our initial budget by twenty percent.

Legal Usage: In a courtroom, 'costs' specifically refers to the expenses incurred by the parties in a legal action, which the losing side may be ordered to pay.

In everyday life, people use 'costs' when discussing the cost of living, which refers to the average price of basic necessities like food and housing in a specific area. It is a frequent topic in news reports and political debates, especially during times of inflation. People also use the word when weighing the pros and cons of a decision, often using the phrase 'weighing the costs and benefits'. This analytical approach shows how the word has moved from simple commerce into the realm of logic and decision-making. Whether you are buying a cup of coffee or managing a multi-million dollar project, 'costs' is the word that defines the sacrifice required to obtain what you want.

Maintaining a vintage car costs a significant amount of time and money.

Environmental Impact: Environmentalists often discuss the 'hidden costs' of cheap consumer goods, such as pollution and resource depletion.

The legal costs associated with the merger were higher than anticipated.

Every minute of delay costs the company thousands of dollars in lost productivity.

Using costs correctly requires a clear understanding of whether you are using it as a noun or a verb. This distinction dictates the sentence structure and the surrounding grammar. When 'costs' is a noun, it functions as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, 'The costs are rising' uses 'costs' as a plural subject, requiring the plural verb 'are'. In contrast, when 'costs' is a verb, it must agree with a singular third-person subject. For instance, 'The ticket costs ten dollars' uses 'costs' as a verb agreeing with the singular subject 'the ticket'. This subtle difference is a cornerstone of English grammar that learners must practice frequently.

Noun Usage (Plural): We need to reduce our production costs to remain competitive in the global market.

In business and technical writing, 'costs' is often preceded by descriptive adjectives that specify the type of expense. Common examples include 'fixed costs', 'variable costs', 'marginal costs', and 'indirect costs'. These phrases allow for precise communication about financial matters. For example, 'The fixed costs of the factory include rent and insurance, which do not change regardless of how much we produce.' Here, 'costs' is the head of a noun phrase that provides detailed information. Using these collocations correctly demonstrates a high level of proficiency in professional English.

Shipping costs have increased due to the rise in fuel prices.

Verb Usage (Singular): A new laptop usually costs between five hundred and one thousand dollars.

Another important aspect of using 'costs' is its role in idiomatic expressions. Phrases like 'at all costs' or 'whatever it costs' use the word to emphasize determination or the absolute necessity of an action. For example, 'We must protect the environment at all costs' means that protecting the environment is the top priority, regardless of the financial or personal sacrifice required. These idioms are common in both formal speeches and informal conversations, adding emotional weight to the speaker's message. Mastering these expressions helps learners sound more natural and persuasive.

The project costs more than we can afford right now.

Metaphorical Use: Success often costs a person their free time and social life.

The hidden costs of the deal only became apparent after the contract was signed.

A simple mistake in the code costs the developer hours of debugging.

The word costs is ubiquitous, appearing in a wide range of environments from the kitchen table to the corporate boardroom. In a domestic setting, you will hear it during discussions about the monthly budget. Parents might talk about the 'rising costs of groceries' or how much a new pair of shoes 'costs'. It is a fundamental part of how families manage their resources and make decisions about what they can and cannot afford. In these contexts, the word is often associated with stress or careful planning, reflecting the real-world impact of financial constraints on daily life.

Business News: News anchors frequently report on 'rising energy costs' or 'labor costs' when discussing the state of the economy.

In the business world, 'costs' is a primary focus of almost every meeting. Managers and executives analyze 'production costs', 'marketing costs', and 'overhead costs' to determine the profitability of their ventures. You will hear this word in earnings calls, where CEOs explain why 'costs' were higher than expected or how they plan to 'cut costs' in the next quarter. In this professional sphere, 'costs' is a cold, hard metric used to measure efficiency and success. It is often paired with verbs like 'reduce', 'manage', 'estimate', and 'offset', creating a specialized vocabulary for financial management.

The analyst noted that the company's costs are currently outstripping its revenue.

Legal Dramas: In movies and TV shows about lawyers, you often hear characters arguing about 'court costs' and 'legal fees'.

The word also features prominently in political discourse. Politicians debate the 'costs' of new policies, such as healthcare reform or infrastructure projects. They might argue that the 'social costs' of inaction are too high, or conversely, that the 'economic costs' of a new tax would be devastating. In this arena, 'costs' is used as a tool for persuasion, framing complex issues in terms of what the public will have to pay or sacrifice. Whether it is a local town hall meeting or a national debate, 'costs' is a key term used to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of public initiatives.

The senator argued that the environmental costs of the pipeline were unacceptable.

Retail Environments: When shopping, you might ask a clerk, 'How much does this cost?' or see signs that say 'Prices include all costs'.

The high costs of tuition are a major concern for many students today.

It costs nothing to be kind to others.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with costs involves subject-verb agreement. Because the word can be both a plural noun and a singular verb, it is easy to get confused. For example, a student might say, 'The costs is high,' which is incorrect because 'costs' as a noun is plural and requires the verb 'are'. Conversely, saying 'The book cost ten dollars' is correct for the past tense, but in the present tense, it must be 'The book costs ten dollars'. This 's' at the end of the verb for third-person singular subjects is a persistent challenge for many English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers.

Agreement Error: Incorrect: The total costs of the trip was $500. Correct: The total costs of the trip were $500.

Another common error is the misuse of the past tense form 'costed'. In general English, the past tense of 'cost' is simply 'cost'. For example, 'Yesterday, the coffee cost three dollars.' Using 'costed' in this context is a mistake. However, 'costed' does exist as a technical term in business, meaning 'to have calculated the cost of something'. For instance, 'The accountant costed the project before we began.' Because this technical usage is so specific, learners should generally avoid 'costed' unless they are specifically talking about the act of estimation or budgeting in a professional financial context.

Incorrect: It costed a lot of money. Correct: It cost a lot of money.

Plural vs. Singular Noun: Use 'cost' for the price of one item and 'costs' for a collection of expenses or business outlays.

Confusion also arises between 'costs' and 'prices'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Price' is the amount a customer pays, while 'cost' is the amount a producer spends to make the product. For a consumer, the 'price' of a shirt is $20, but for the manufacturer, the 'costs' of making that shirt (labor, fabric, shipping) might be $10. Using 'costs' when you mean 'price' can lead to confusion in business discussions. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 'costs' can be a non-count noun in some contexts but is almost always plural when referring to business expenses. Paying attention to these nuances will significantly improve your accuracy.

The costs of production are separate from the retail price.

Preposition Errors: Incorrect: The cost for the car was high. Correct: The cost of the car was high.

Does this plan include the hidden costs?

The mistake costs us more than just money; it costs us our reputation.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to explore words that are similar to costs but carry slightly different nuances. 'Expenses' is perhaps the most common alternative. While 'costs' often refers to the total amount required for a specific purpose, 'expenses' usually refers to the individual items of spending. For example, you might have travel expenses like gas, tolls, and meals, which together make up your total travel costs. 'Expenditure' is a more formal term, often used in government or large-scale financial reports to describe the act of spending money or the total amount spent over a period.

Costs vs. Expenses: 'Costs' is often used for the total investment, while 'expenses' refers to the specific bills paid along the way.

Another set of related words includes 'price', 'fee', and 'charge'. 'Price' is the specific amount of money requested for a good or service. 'Fee' is typically used for professional services, such as a 'legal fee' or a 'tuition fee'. 'Charge' is a general term for the amount someone asks you to pay, often used in contexts like 'service charge' or 'delivery charge'. Choosing the right word depends on the context: you pay a 'price' for a shirt, a 'fee' to a doctor, and a 'charge' for shipping. 'Costs' is the broader term that can encompass all of these specific payments.

The expenditure on research and development has doubled this year.

Formal Alternatives: In formal reports, use 'outlays' or 'disbursements' to describe money being paid out.

In metaphorical contexts, you might use 'sacrifice' or 'penalty'. If a decision has a high personal cost, you could say it requires a 'great sacrifice'. If a mistake leads to a negative consequence, you might call it a 'heavy penalty'. These alternatives add variety and emotional depth to your writing. Furthermore, in economics, the term 'overhead' is used to describe the ongoing 'costs' of operating a business that are not directly linked to creating a product, such as rent and insurance. Understanding these synonyms and their specific domains will help you communicate more precisely and effectively in any situation.

The overhead for a small business can be surprisingly high.

Comparison: Cost vs. Price: The 'cost' is what the maker pays; the 'price' is what the buyer pays.

The sacrifices she made for her career were immense.

The toll of the pandemic on the economy is still being calculated.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

The Latin root 'constare' also gives us the word 'constant', meaning something that stands firm.

발음 가이드

UK /kɒsts/

US /kɔːsts/

The stress is on the single syllable.

라임이 맞는 단어

frosts posts hosts ghosts boasts roasts toasts coasts

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it as 'cos' without the 'ts' sound.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'coasts'.
Failing to pronounce the final 's' in the plural noun form.
Adding an extra syllable like 'cost-es'.
Mixing up the 'o' sound with the 'u' sound in 'cuts'.

난이도

독해 3/5

The word is common but its dual role as noun and verb can be tricky.

쓰기 4/5

Subject-verb agreement is a frequent source of errors.

말하기 3/5

The 'sts' ending can be difficult to pronounce clearly.

듣기 2/5

Usually easy to understand in context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

money buy pay price spend

다음에 배울 것

expense budget revenue profit investment

고급

expenditure overhead liability depreciation amortization

알아야 할 문법

Subject-Verb Agreement

The book costs (singular) vs. The books cost (plural).

Past Tense of Cost

Yesterday it cost (not costed) ten dollars.

Plural Nouns

The costs (plural noun) are high.

Count vs. Non-count

The cost (uncountable price) vs. The costs (countable expenses).

Idiomatic Fixed Phrases

'At all costs' never changes to 'at all cost'.

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수준별 예문

The apple costs one dollar.

L'pomme coûte un dollar.

Third-person singular verb agreement.

How much does the milk cost?

Combien coûte le lait ?

Question form using 'does'.

This pen costs two euros.

Ce stylo coûte deux euros.

Simple present tense.

The bus ticket costs fifty cents.

Le ticket de bus coûte cinquante centimes.

Subject-verb agreement.

It costs a lot of money.

Ça coûte beaucoup d'argent.

Use of 'it' as a subject.

The bread costs three pounds.

Le pain coûte trois livres.

Simple present tense.

Does it cost much?

Est-ce que ça coûte cher ?

Interrogative sentence.

The coffee costs four dollars.

Le café coûte quatre dollars.

Singular subject with 'costs'.

The hotel costs more than the flight.

L'hôtel coûte plus cher que le vol.

Comparative structure.

These shoes cost fifty dollars.

Ces chaussures coûtent cinquante dollars.

Plural subject 'shoes' with verb 'cost'.

The travel costs were very high.

Les frais de voyage étaient très élevés.

Plural noun 'costs' as a subject.

It cost me ten dollars yesterday.

Ça m'a coûté dix dollars hier.

Past tense of 'cost' is 'cost'.

The meal costs twenty euros per person.

Le repas coûte vingt euros par personne.

Prepositional phrase 'per person'.

Living in the city costs a lot.

Vivre en ville coûte cher.

Gerund phrase 'Living in the city' as a subject.

The total costs are on the receipt.

Les coûts totaux sont sur le reçu.

Plural noun with plural verb 'are'.

Does the repair cost much?

Est-ce que la réparation coûte cher ?

Question about a service.

We need to reduce our production costs.

Nous devons réduire nos coûts de production.

Compound noun 'production costs'.

The hidden costs of the car were a surprise.

Les coûts cachés de la voiture ont été une surprise.

Adjective 'hidden' modifying 'costs'.

It costs a fortune to maintain this house.

Ça coûte une fortune d'entretenir cette maison.

Idiomatic expression 'costs a fortune'.

The project costs are within the budget.

Les coûts du projet sont dans le budget.

Plural noun 'costs' with plural verb.

He must succeed at all costs.

Il doit réussir à tout prix.

Idiom 'at all costs'.

The environmental costs are significant.

Les coûts environnementaux sont importants.

Metaphorical use of 'costs'.

The shipping costs are included in the price.

Les frais d'expédition sont inclus dans le prix.

Passive voice 'are included'.

A mistake like that costs the company money.

Une erreur comme celle-là coûte de l'argent à l'entreprise.

Verb usage with an indirect object.

The legal costs associated with the case were astronomical.

Les frais de justice associés à l'affaire étaient astronomiques.

Participle phrase 'associated with the case'.

We must weigh the costs and benefits of the proposal.

Nous devons peser les coûts et les avantages de la proposition.

Common business collocation.

The high cost of living is driving people out of the city.

Le coût élevé de la vie pousse les gens à quitter la ville.

Singular 'cost' in a fixed phrase.

The company is trying to offset its rising energy costs.

L'entreprise essaie de compenser l'augmentation de ses coûts énergétiques.

Infinitive phrase 'to offset'.

Every delay in the schedule costs us valuable time.

Chaque retard dans le calendrier nous coûte un temps précieux.

Metaphorical use with 'time'.

The social costs of unemployment are often overlooked.

Les coûts sociaux du chômage sont souvent négligés.

Abstract noun usage.

They managed to keep the overhead costs to a minimum.

Ils ont réussi à maintenir les frais généraux au minimum.

Business term 'overhead costs'.

The expansion costs were estimated at five million dollars.

Les coûts d'expansion ont été estimés à cinq millions de dollars.

Passive voice with 'estimated at'.

The opportunity costs of this investment must be carefully analyzed.

Les coûts d'opportunité de cet investissement doivent être analysés avec soin.

Economic term 'opportunity costs'.

The litigation costs alone could bankrupt the firm.

Les seuls frais de justice pourraient mettre l'entreprise en faillite.

Use of 'alone' for emphasis.

We need to internalize the environmental costs of production.

Nous devons internaliser les coûts environnementaux de la production.

Advanced economic concept.

The human costs of the conflict are truly devastating.

Les coûts humains du conflit sont vraiment dévastateurs.

Metaphorical use in a serious context.

The project was costed at three million pounds before inflation.

Le projet a été chiffré à trois millions de livres avant l'inflation.

Technical use of 'costed'.

The marginal costs of adding another user are negligible.

Les coûts marginaux de l'ajout d'un autre utilisateur sont négligeables.

Technical economic term.

He pursued his ambition, regardless of the personal costs.

Il a poursuivi son ambition, quels que soient les coûts personnels.

Prepositional phrase 'regardless of'.

The fixed costs represent a significant barrier to entry in this market.

Les coûts fixes représentent une barrière importante à l'entrée sur ce marché.

Business strategy terminology.

The exorbitant costs of the defense were a point of contention.

Les coûts exorbitants de la défense étaient un point de discorde.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'exorbitant' and 'contention'.

One must consider the long-term ecological costs of such a policy.

Il faut considérer les coûts écologiques à long terme d'une telle politique.

Formal pronoun 'one'.

The psychological costs of fame are often underestimated by the public.

Les coûts psychologiques de la célébrité sont souvent sous-estimés par le public.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

The firm sought to minimize its tax liabilities and associated costs.

L'entreprise a cherché à minimiser ses obligations fiscales et les coûts associés.

Formal business language.

The sunk costs of the failed venture were written off as a loss.

Les coûts irrécupérables de l'entreprise ratée ont été passés en pertes et profits.

Economic term 'sunk costs'.

The societal costs of inequality are profound and far-reaching.

Les coûts sociétaux de l'inégalité sont profonds et ont une grande portée.

Academic and sociological context.

The true costs of the war may never be fully quantified.

Les véritables coûts de la guerre ne seront peut-être jamais entièrement quantifiés.

Passive voice with modal 'may'.

The operational costs are scrutinized by the board of directors monthly.

Les coûts opérationnels sont examinés mensuellement par le conseil d'administration.

Formal passive construction.

자주 쓰는 조합

production costs

living costs

legal costs

fixed costs

variable costs

hidden costs

operating costs

shipping costs

marginal costs

opportunity costs

자주 쓰는 구문

at all costs

— Whatever happens, no matter the difficulty.

We must win this game at all costs.

cost of living

— The average price of basic necessities.

The cost of living has risen recently.

count the cost

— To think about the negative consequences of an action.

He didn't count the cost before quitting his job.

cut costs

— To reduce expenses.

The manager decided to cut costs by reducing staff.

cover the costs

— To have enough money to pay for something.

The grant will cover the costs of the research.

estimate the costs

— To guess how much something will cost.

Can you estimate the costs of the renovation?

offset the costs

— To balance the expenses with income.

The sponsorship will help offset the costs of the event.

rising costs

— Expenses that are becoming higher.

Rising costs are a major concern for small businesses.

court costs

— The expenses of a legal trial.

The judge ordered the defendant to pay court costs.

labor costs

— The money spent on paying workers.

Labor costs are lower in developing countries.

자주 혼동되는 단어

costs vs price

Price is what the buyer pays; cost is what the maker spends.

costs vs expense

Expenses are individual items; costs are the total sum.

costs vs value

Value is what something is worth; cost is what you pay for it.

관용어 및 표현

"cost an arm and a leg"

— To be extremely expensive.

That new car cost an arm and a leg.

informal

"at all costs"

— Regardless of the price or effort required.

I will protect my family at all costs.

neutral

"count the cost"

— To realize the full extent of a loss or sacrifice.

Only later did they count the cost of their decision.

neutral

"the cost of doing business"

— A necessary but unpleasant expense or risk.

Occasional losses are just the cost of doing business.

business

"cost a pretty penny"

— To be quite expensive.

That watch must have cost a pretty penny.

informal

"pay the ultimate cost"

— To die for a cause.

Many soldiers paid the ultimate cost for their country.

formal

"cost someone dearly"

— To cause someone a lot of trouble or suffering.

His arrogance cost him dearly in the end.

neutral

"at any cost"

— Similar to 'at all costs', emphasizing determination.

She wanted to be famous at any cost.

neutral

"what it costs"

— The true price or sacrifice required.

He knows what it costs to be a leader.

neutral

"hidden costs"

— Expenses that are not immediately obvious.

Always read the fine print for hidden costs.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

costs vs cost

It is the singular form of the noun or the base form of the verb.

Use 'cost' for one price and 'costs' for many expenses or a singular verb.

The cost is low, but the total costs are high.

costs vs coasts

They sound very similar.

Coasts are the edges of the land by the sea; costs are money.

The ship sailed along the coasts.

costs vs caused

Similar sound in fast speech.

Caused means to make something happen; costs is about money.

The storm caused a lot of damage.

costs vs cast

Similar vowel sound.

Cast means to throw or the actors in a play.

The cast of the movie was great.

costs vs cuts

Often used together in 'cost cuts'.

Cuts means to reduce; costs is what is being reduced.

The company made several budget cuts.

문장 패턴

It costs [price].

It costs five dollars.

The [item] costs [price].

The ticket costs ten euros.

The [type] costs are [adjective].

The production costs are high.

We must [verb] the costs.

We must reduce the costs.

The [adjective] costs of [noun] are [adjective].

The environmental costs of mining are significant.

[Gerund] costs [person] [sacrifice].

Pursuing fame costs him his privacy.

At all costs.

We must finish at all costs.

Weigh the costs and benefits.

Let's weigh the costs and benefits.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

자주 하는 실수

The costs is high. → The costs are high.
As a noun, 'costs' is plural and needs a plural verb.
It costed me ten dollars. → It cost me ten dollars.
The past tense of 'cost' is 'cost'.
The books costs ten dollars. → The books cost ten dollars.
Plural subjects need the verb 'cost' without an 's'.
At all cost. → At all costs.
This is a fixed idiom and must always be plural.
The price of production is rising. → The costs of production are rising.
In business, we use 'costs' for production, not 'price'.

팁

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always match 'costs' with a singular subject like 'it' or 'the car'. Use 'cost' for plural subjects like 'they' or 'the books'.

Business English

Use the plural 'costs' when talking about a company's total expenses to sound more professional.

The 'sts' Sound

Make sure to pronounce both the 't' and the 's' at the end of 'costs' to be clearly understood.

At All Costs

Use this phrase to emphasize that a goal is your top priority, no matter what happens.

Avoid 'Costed'

In 99% of cases, the past tense of 'cost' is 'cost'. Only use 'costed' if you are an accountant estimating a budget.

Cost of Living

This is a great phrase to use when talking about the economy or your daily life in a new city.

Personal Costs

Remember that 'costs' can refer to sacrifices like health, time, or happiness, not just money.

Hidden Costs

Always ask about hidden costs when buying something expensive to avoid surprises later.

Opportunity Cost

Use this term to describe what you give up when you choose one option over another.

Court Costs

In a legal context, 'costs' refers to the money spent on the trial itself, not the fine or settlement.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'CO-STS' as 'Carry Over Several Total Sums' to remember it refers to multiple expenses.

시각적 연상

Imagine a receipt with many different items listed, each adding to the total 'costs'.

Word Web

Price Money Expense Budget Sacrifice Business Legal Living

챌린지

Try to use 'costs' as both a noun and a verb in the same sentence, such as 'The high production costs mean the car costs more.'

어원

From the Old French word 'coster', which came from the Latin 'constare'.

원래 의미: To stand together, or to stand at a certain price.

Indo-European (Latinate)

문화적 맥락

Be careful when discussing 'costs' in a personal context, as some people may find it rude to ask about the price of their belongings.

In the UK and US, discussing the 'cost of living' is a common way to bond over shared economic struggles.

The phrase 'at all costs' was famously used by Winston Churchill during World War II. The economic concept of 'opportunity cost' is a fundamental part of modern capitalist theory. The song 'The Cost of Living' by The Clash explores economic themes.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Shopping

How much does it cost?
It costs too much.
The costs are included.
Are there any hidden costs?

Business

We need to cut costs.
What are the operating costs?
Production costs have risen.
Estimate the project costs.

Legal

Pay the court costs.
Legal costs are high.
Recover the costs.
The costs of the trial.

Everyday Life

The cost of living.
It costs a lot of time.
At all costs.
Count the cost.

Economics

Opportunity costs.
Marginal costs.
Fixed and variable costs.
Sunk costs.

대화 시작하기

"How much do you think a new car costs these days?"

"What are some ways we can reduce our monthly living costs?"

"Do you think the benefits of space travel outweigh the costs?"

"Have you ever encountered any hidden costs when booking a flight?"

"What is the most important thing to protect at all costs?"

일기 주제

Write about a time when you had to achieve something at all costs. What was the outcome?

Discuss the rising costs of living in your city. How has it affected your lifestyle?

Analyze the costs and benefits of a major decision you made recently.

What are some 'hidden costs' of modern technology that people often ignore?

If you were a business owner, how would you try to cut costs without firing employees?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

For plural items, use 'cost' as a verb (e.g., 'The apples cost $2') and 'costs' as a noun (e.g., 'The costs of the apples are high').

Yes, 'costs' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to cost'. For example, 'It costs five dollars.'

The past tense is 'cost'. For example, 'Yesterday, the milk cost three dollars.' The word 'costed' is only used in technical business contexts.

It means that something must be done regardless of the effort, money, or sacrifice required. It shows strong determination.

These are expenses that are not immediately obvious when you first buy something, like maintenance or extra fees.

Yes, it is countable when referring to different types of expenses, such as 'production costs' and 'marketing costs'.

Cost is the money spent to produce something, while price is the money a customer pays to buy it.

It is pronounced with a short 'o' and a 'sts' sound at the end. Be careful not to drop the 't' or the final 's'.

These are business expenses that do not change based on how much you produce, like rent or insurance.

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to mean the amount of time or effort required for something.

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