B1 Collocation Neutro 2 min de leitura

extra cost

Additional expense

Use `extra cost` to describe any additional money you must pay beyond the initial agreed price.

Em 15 segundos

  • Money paid in addition to the basic price.
  • Commonly used for hidden fees or surprise charges.
  • Works in both casual shopping and professional business.

Significado

This phrase describes an amount of money you have to pay that wasn't part of the original price. It is that annoying 'hidden' fee or surprise charge you didn't expect.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Ordering pizza

Is there an extra cost for gluten-free crust?

Is there an extra cost for gluten-free crust?

😊
2

In a business meeting

We need to finish on time to avoid the extra cost of overtime.

We need to finish on time to avoid the extra cost of overtime.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a concert

The tickets were cheap, but the booking fee was a huge extra cost!

The tickets were cheap, but the booking fee was a huge extra cost!

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase gained massive popularity with the rise of low-cost airlines and 'budget' services in the late 20th century. It reflects a shift in consumer culture where base prices are kept low, but every amenity becomes an `extra cost`. In the US, this is often discussed regarding 'tipping culture' and sales tax, which are added at the end.

💡

The 'Free' Trick

If you want to sound like a pro, use the phrase 'at no extra cost' instead of just saying 'free'. It sounds more sophisticated and value-driven.

⚠️

Watch the Plural

If there is only one fee, use `extra cost`. If there are many (like tax, shipping, and insurance), use `extra costs`. Mixing them up is a common small mistake.

Em 15 segundos

  • Money paid in addition to the basic price.
  • Commonly used for hidden fees or surprise charges.
  • Works in both casual shopping and professional business.

What It Means

Extra cost refers to any spending beyond the base price. Imagine buying a flight and then paying for a suitcase. That bag is an extra cost. It is simple, direct, and very common. It covers everything from taxes to service fees. It is the money that leaves your wallet unexpectedly.

How To Use It

You can use it as a noun phrase. It often follows verbs like avoid, incur, or pay. You might say, "I want to avoid any extra cost." It works well when comparing two options. One might be cheaper but have more extra costs. Don't forget the plural form extra costs for multiple fees. It is a very flexible tool for your vocabulary kit.

When To Use It

Use it whenever money is the topic. It is perfect for travel, shopping, or business. Use it at a restaurant if they charge for bread. Use it when booking a hotel with a 'resort fee'. It is great for complaining to friends about hidden bills. It also sounds professional in a meeting about budgets. It fits almost anywhere money changes hands.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using it for emotional or time-related sacrifices. If a job takes too much time, don't say it has an extra cost. Use 'toll' or 'sacrifice' instead. Also, don't use it for standard, expected prices. If a burger is $10, the $10 isn't an extra cost. Only the surprise $2 for cheese counts. Keep it strictly for the 'additional' stuff.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking cultures, people value price transparency. We really dislike 'hidden fees'. There is a cultural expectation that the price you see is the price you pay. Because of this, extra cost often carries a slightly negative tone. It implies a lack of honesty or a sneaky business tactic. We love a good deal, but we hate the extra cost at the end.

Common Variations

You will often hear additional charge or hidden fee. In the UK, you might hear surcharge. In casual talk, people say added extras. In business, they might use incremental expense. However, extra cost remains the most natural and clear version. It is the 'goldilocks' of phrases—not too formal, not too slangy.

Notas de uso

The phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. Just remember that 'cost' is a noun here, so you can't say 'it costs extra cost'—instead, say 'it is an extra cost' or 'it costs extra'.

💡

The 'Free' Trick

If you want to sound like a pro, use the phrase 'at no extra cost' instead of just saying 'free'. It sounds more sophisticated and value-driven.

⚠️

Watch the Plural

If there is only one fee, use `extra cost`. If there are many (like tax, shipping, and insurance), use `extra costs`. Mixing them up is a common small mistake.

💬

The Hidden Meaning

In the US, if someone says 'there might be an extra cost,' they are often politely warning you that something is very expensive.

Exemplos

6
#1 Ordering pizza
😊

Is there an extra cost for gluten-free crust?

Is there an extra cost for gluten-free crust?

Asking about a price increase for a special request.

#2 In a business meeting
💼

We need to finish on time to avoid the extra cost of overtime.

We need to finish on time to avoid the extra cost of overtime.

Discussing budget management in a professional setting.

#3 Texting a friend about a concert
😊

The tickets were cheap, but the booking fee was a huge extra cost!

The tickets were cheap, but the booking fee was a huge extra cost!

Complaining about annoying service fees.

#4 Buying a new car
🤝

I didn't realize the metallic paint would be an extra cost.

I didn't realize the metallic paint would be an extra cost.

Expressing mild disappointment at a surprise charge.

#5 A funny realization at a fancy hotel
😄

I ate the tiny chocolate in the fridge, and now I'm paying the extra cost of my soul.

I ate the tiny chocolate in the fridge, and now I'm paying the extra cost of my soul.

Hyperbole used to joke about expensive minibar prices.

#6 Planning a wedding
💭

I'm worried about every little extra cost breaking our budget.

I'm worried about every little extra cost breaking our budget.

Expressing stress over mounting expenses.

Teste-se

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a hotel stay.

The room includes breakfast at no ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: extra cost

The phrase 'at no extra cost' is a common idiom meaning something is free or included.

Complete the business complaint.

Shipping these heavy items will incur a significant ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: extra cost

In business, 'incur an extra cost' is the standard way to say you will have to pay more.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality of 'Extra Cost'

Informal

Talking to friends about a bill.

The extra cost for sauce is annoying.

Neutral

Asking a shop assistant.

Is there an extra cost for gift wrapping?

Formal

Writing a business contract.

Any extra cost must be approved in writing.

Where you'll see 'Extra Cost'

Extra Cost
✈️

Airlines

Paying for a window seat.

🥑

Restaurants

Adding avocado to a sandwich.

📦

Online Shopping

Express shipping fees.

🔧

Home Repair

Buying more parts for a sink.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

We almost never say 'extra price'. Price is the total amount on the tag, while cost is the money you actually spend. Use extra cost for the additional amount.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For example: 'Please let us know if this change involves an extra cost.' It sounds professional and clear.

A fee is a specific type of extra cost. All fees are extra costs, but not all extra costs (like buying extra materials) are called fees.

You can ask, 'Is there an extra cost for this?' If the answer is no, it's free!

Both are correct. Additional cost is slightly more formal, but extra cost is much more common in daily conversation.

Usually, no. If you're talking about effort or time, use 'extra effort' or 'additional time' instead of extra cost.

It means the service or item is included in the price you already paid. It's a fancy way of saying 'it's included'.

It can be. People usually aren't happy about an extra cost, so the tone is often one of concern or slight annoyance.

No, never use 'of'. The phrase is always just extra cost or extra costs.

This refers to a charge that was not mentioned at the start. It's the most common way people use the phrase when they are angry.

Frases relacionadas

Hidden fees

Costs that are not clearly stated at the beginning.

Additional charge

A more formal way to say extra cost.

Out-of-pocket expense

Money you have to pay yourself, often used with insurance.

Surcharge

An official extra fee added to a bill.

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