If you have ever been curious about the correct english grammar past participle of cost, this article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, how to pick the perfect tense, and everything else you could want to learn about the english verb.

What is the English Language Definition of Cost?

The word cost is defined as:

the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something: pricing or particular amount
The average cost of a college education has gone up dramatically.
the outlay or expenditure (as of effort or sacrifice) made to achieve an object
- He achieved fame, but at the cost of losing several friends.
loss or penalty incurred especially in gaining something
- the cost of lives during war
costs plural : expenses incurred in a judicial process
- especially: those given by the law or the court to the prevailing party against the losing party
at all costs
regardless of the cost or consequences
- was determined to win at all costs
at cost
- for the price of production

Intransitive Verb Form

to require expenditure or payment
- The best goods cost a larger amount of money.
to require effort, suffering, or loss

Transitive Verb Form

to have a price of
- Each ticket costs 25 dollars.
to cause to pay, suffer, or lose something
- Frequent absences cost him his job.
past costed – kä-stəd: to estimate or set the cost of —often used with “out”
- The project has yet to be costed out.

How do you Conjugate Cost?

Here are the other conjugations of the verb cost:

Present Tense	Past Simple	Future Perfect
I cost	Cost/costed	Am costing
You cost	Cost/costed	Are costing
He/she, it costs	Cost/costed	Is costing
We cost	Cost/costed	Are costing
They cost	Cost/costed	Are costing

The History and Origin of the Word

The word cost can be traced back to the 14th century. It was used in the sense “the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something: price”. It comes from Latin originally “constare” which meant to stand firm, cost. Then the word went to the Anglo-French language “custer, coaster” and then to Middle English.

What is the Simple Past of Cost?

The simple past of cost is costed.

Synonyms for Cost

Charge
Disbursement
Expenditure
Expense
Outgo
Outlay
Bring
Fetch
Go (for)
Run
Sell (for)

Example Sentences With the Word Cost

Noun
- She attends college at a cost of $15,000 a year.
- The average cost of raising a family has increased dramatically.
- We offer services at a fraction of the cost of other companies.
- What’s the difference in cost?
- They believe that everyone should have access to adequate medical care, regardless of cost.
- The cost of doing business in this area is high.
- We need better cost control.
- Winning the war, he believes, was worth the cost in lives.
- What are the costs and benefits of the new law?
Verb
- The trip will cost you about $100 each way.
- The project will end up costing the government an estimated 3.5 billion dollars.
- It will cost you a lot of money, but it’ll be worth it.
- His frequent absences ended up costing him his job.
- The error cost me a reprimand, but nothing more serious than that.
- a blunder that has cost her considerable embarrassment

Examples of the Word in Context

Here’s one thing to count on: The cost of health insurance is expected to rise next year — over 5%, according to a survey of large employers, and 3% to almost 10% for individual plans, based on Texas rates posted on HealthCare.gov. — Tribune News Service, oregonlive, “Health insurers rack up monster profits as people delay medical care during coronavirus pandemic,” 24 Aug. 2020
The cost is expected to encourage drivers to take public transit instead, which would be funded in part from the fees drivers pay. — Matt Mcfarland, CNN, “Plan to charge cars for driving into New York City is facing ‘unprecedented’ delays,” 24 Aug. 2020
The cost of liberalism is hidden by ignoring the enormous difference between America and Europe. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, “The Capital Letter: Week of August 17,” 21 Aug. 2020
Here’s one thing to count on: The cost of health insurance is expected to rise next year — over 5%, according to a survey of large employers, and 3% to almost 10% for individual plans, based on Texas rates posted on HealthCare.gov. — Dallas News, “Profiteering? Health insurers bank big profits during COVID-19 and still raise rates for next year,” 21 Aug. 2020
But this cost, too, is expected to be unequally spread. — Somini Sengupta New York Times, Star Tribune, “Inequality at the boiling point: Extreme heat takes toll on poor, vulnerable,” 20 Aug. 2020
When utilities purchase energy to serve customers, the cost is passed directly to customers, meaning price spikes go right to customer bills. — Ryan Randazzo, The Arizona Republic, “Energy regulator wants assurances Arizona won’t see blackouts,” 18 Aug. 2020
Social cost of carbon estimates, on the other hand, are calculated entirely separately from any other policies. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, “New carbon price focuses on results you want, not impacts you don’t,” 18 Aug. 2020
The entire project cost is estimated at $45 to $50 million, said Sawall, whose company also developed Mammoth Springs on Main Street in Sussex, which is slated to open in October. — Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “‘A village within a village’: Lannon’s first apartment complex will feature 264 units, private entrances and a gym,” 17 Aug. 2020

Summary

Next time you need to write the word cost, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition.

Sources:

Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

The Past Tense of Cost: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

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