What is expense? Pronunciation and usage in English

expense means . Learn how to pronounce and use expense through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of expense

expensenoun

/ɪkˈspɛns//ɛkˈspɛns/
Definition & pronunciation of expense

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "expense" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sounds:

  • ex-: This part is pronounced like "eks" - like in "exercise." Think of it as a short, sharp "eks."
  • -pense: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like "pens" – rhyme with “hens.”

2. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it together, it sounds like: "eks-pens"

3. Emphasis:

  • The primary stress is on the first syllable: "EKS-pens" (emphasize the "eks")

4. Tips for clarity:

  • Don’t reduce the "e": Many people subconsciously drop the "e" in "expense." Don’t do this! Say it fully.
  • Short "e" in "eks": It’s a quick, clipped "eks".
  • "Pens" like "hens": Make sure your "pens" sound is similar to "hens."

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of a specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Provide example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word expense in English

Let's break down how to use the word "expense" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (the most common use):

  • Definition: An expense is something you pay for – a cost that reduces your money or resources.
  • Examples:
    • “The expense of travel was much higher than expected.” (Talking about the cost of travel)
    • “We need to keep a close eye on our monthly expenses.” (Referring to all the costs you incur)
    • “The company’s biggest expenses are salaries and rent.” (Listing the major costs)
    • “These are non-essential expenses.” (Identifying costs that aren't vital)
    • “She carefully tracked her expenses each month.” (Describing the act of monitoring costs)

2. As a Verb (less common, but important):

  • Definition: To spend money on something. To incur a cost.
  • Examples:
    • “I expense all my business travel.” (Meaning: I pay for my business travel expenses)
    • “The company will expense the new equipment.” (Meaning: The company will pay for the new equipment)
    • "Don't expense frivolous items." (Meaning: Don't spend money on unnecessary things)

3. Specific Phrases & Contexts:

  • Business Expenses: This is a very common use. It refers to costs related to running a business – utilities, marketing, office supplies, employee salaries, etc.
    • "We need to submit our business expenses for reimbursement."
  • Personal Expenses: Costs related to your personal life – groceries, entertainment, clothing, etc.
    • “Managing personal expenses can be challenging.”
  • Fixed Expenses: Costs that remain relatively constant over time (rent, mortgage, insurance).
    • “Our fixed expenses are covered each month.”
  • Variable Expenses: Costs that change from month to month (groceries, entertainment, gas).
    • "We need to reduce our variable expenses."
  • Expense Account: A form or system for tracking and documenting business expenses.
    • “He’s been accused of misusing his expense account.”

4. Related Words:

  • Expenditure: Often used interchangeably with ‘expense’ – it's a more formal word.
  • Cost: A broader term for any resource used. An expense is a type of cost.
  • Outlay: A large or significant expense.
  • Charge: A fee for a service or product (can sometimes overlap with expense).

Tips for Using "Expense" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Is it about general costs, business finances, or something else?
  • Use "expense" as a noun when referring to the amount of money spent.
  • Use "expense" as a verb when describing the action of paying.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you using "expense" in? (e.g., business report, personal journal, creative writing)
  • Can you provide a sentence where you're trying to use the word so I can give you feedback?

Synonyms for the word expense

Idioms of the word expense

at somebody’s expense
paid for by somebody
  • We were taken out for a meal at the company's expense.
if you make a joke at somebody’s expense, you laugh at them and make them feel silly
    at the expense of somebody/something
    with loss or damage to somebody/something
    • He built up the business at the expense of his health.
    • an education system that benefits bright children at the expense of those who are slower to learn
    go to the expense of something/of doing something | go to a lot of, etc. expense
    to spend money on something
    • They went to all the expense of redecorating the house and then they moved.
    put somebody to the expense of something/of doing something | put somebody to a lot of, etc. expense
    to make somebody spend money on something
    • Their visit put us to a lot of expense.

    Practice with vocabulary expense

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. Operational ____ are under review to identify areas for reduction.
    2. The university waived the application ______ for students demonstrating financial hardship.
    3. Unexpected travel ______ can quickly deplete a project's contingency fund.
    4. What is the estimated total ______ of renovating the old building?

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following terms can describe the money spent by a business on its operations? a) revenue b) expense c) overhead d) profit e) cost

    2. The finance department is urging all employees to submit their travel ______ promptly for reimbursement. a) fines b) expenses c) invoices d) tariffs

    3. Which of these words is most appropriate when referring to the total monetary amount required to complete a large construction project? a) budget b) cost c) expense d) funding

    4. The monthly ______ for software subscriptions has become a significant factor in our departmental spending. a) income b) investment c) charge d) returns

    5. To get a comprehensive view of our financial health, we need to track both our income and our ______. a) liabilities b) assets c) expenditure d) debts

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company paid a lot of money to upgrade its IT infrastructure. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "expense".)
    2. They prioritized quick deployment, even if it meant sacrificing some quality. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "expense".)
    3. The total amount of money needed for the annual team-building event was higher than expected. (Rewrite the sentence without using "expense" or its related forms.)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. Operational expenses are under review to identify areas for reduction.
    2. The university waived the application fee for students demonstrating financial hardship.
    3. Unexpected travel expenses can quickly deplete a project's contingency fund.
    4. What is the estimated total cost of renovating the old building?

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) expense, c) overhead, e) cost
    2. b) expenses
    3. b) cost, c) expense
    4. c) charge
    5. c) expenditure

    Exercise 3:

    1. The company incurred a significant expense to upgrade its IT infrastructure.
    2. Quick deployment was prioritized at the expense of some quality.
    3. The total cost for the annual team-building event was higher than expected.

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