ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cost up

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to calculate the total price of something, especially for a project or a job.

phr. v.. to estimate or calculate the total cost of a specific task, project, or itemized list; often used in commercial or construction contexts.


SIMPLE

The builder needs to cost up the materials for the new kitchen.

CONTEXTUAL

Before we agree to the renovation, we need the architect to cost up the entire project.

COMPLEX

The procurement team spent three weeks costing up the various logistical options before presenting the final budget to the board of directors.

Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
cost + object + up
Usage

commonly used in British English and professional trades when discussing estimates.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'cost' (to have a price) and 'price up' (to find the retail price); 'cost up' implies a more detailed calculation of expenses.

Pitfall

He costed up it.He costed it up.when using a pronoun like 'it', the particle 'up' must follow the pronoun.

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