What Does "at all costs" Mean?
- What it expresses: This expression functions as an adverbial of extent or manner. It conveys a sense of absolute necessity, extreme determination, or the highest level of priority, suggesting that the goal must be achieved regardless of the effort, money, or sacrifice required.
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It primarily modifies verbs (actions that must be completed) or the whole clause to set the tone of urgency.
- Register: It is generally neutral to formal. While common in journalism and literature, it is also used in spoken English to emphasize a non-negotiable stance.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions: The expression is most natural in the final position, following the verb or object. However, it can be placed in the initial position for rhetorical emphasis. Mid-position (between the subject and verb) is less common but possible for stylistic variety.
- What it modifies and how it changes the meaning: By adding "at all costs," a simple instruction becomes a mandatory directive. It removes any room for compromise or failure.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted (placed at the start) to create a dramatic effect. It works well with imperatives (commands) and negation (e.g., "do not let him leave at all costs"), though it is rarely used in standard questions.
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it for trivial matters in a formal context can sound hyperbolic. Placing it between a verb and its direct object often disrupts the flow of the sentence.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from at all costs on Ludwig.guru.
"Win at all costs." — economist.com
"At all costs, protect it." — nytimes.com
"Economic growth at all costs." — forbes.com
"I wanted to win at all costs." — wikipedia.org
"Avoid pastels at all costs." — wikihow.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/at+all+costs
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
Common Mistakes
- Wrong Scope of Modification: Placing the phrase too far from the action it modifies can lead to ambiguity regarding what exactly must be done "at all costs."
- Register Mismatch: Using this high-intensity phrase for very minor, everyday tasks can come across as sarcastic or overly dramatic.
- Form Errors: Learners often mistakenly use the singular form 'at all cost' or confuse it with the phrase 'at any price', which has a more literal financial connotation.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| at all costs |
Expresses absolute necessity |
Neutral / Formal |
Final or Initial |
FAQs
Where is the best place to put at all costs in a sentence
The most natural placement for at all costs is at the end of a sentence to provide a strong concluding emphasis. However, you can place it at the very beginning to immediately signal the urgency or importance of the statement that follows.
How does this phrase differ from at any price
While both phrases imply a high degree of commitment, at all costs is a broader idiom used for any situation involving sacrifice. In contrast, the phrase at any price often retains a literal connection to financial transactions or commercial value.
Is it correct to say at all cost in the singular form
No, learners often mistakenly use the singular form at all cost or confuse it with the phrase at any price, which has a more literal financial connotation. You must always use the plural costs to maintain the correct idiomatic structure of the expression.