cost 1
That shop is always empty because the costs are too high.
That shop is always empty because the prices are too high. See Language Note at PRICE 2
I’ll be happy to pay the costs of the postage.
I’II be happy to pay the cost of the postage. See Language Note at PRICE 3
They agreed to repair the damage free of cost. /-
They agreed to repair the damage free of charge. See Language Note at PRICE 4
In London the cost of life is very high.
In London the cost of living is very high. The costs of living are always higher in city areas.
The cost of living is always higher in city areas. See Language Note at PRICE 5
See VERY MUCH 2 could 1
As I’ve already mentioned, I could learn a great deal during the two years I spent in
England.
As I’ve already mentioned, I was able to learn a great deal during the two years I spent in England. By reading quickly, I could finish the book before the library closed.
By reading quickly, I managed to finish the book before the library closed. When talking about a skill or general ability in the past, use could or be able to: ‘By the time she was four, she could/was able to swim the whole length of the pool.’ When talking about a single event in the past, we usually use be able to or manage (NOT could ): ‘Luckily, we managed to get there before the shops closed.’ ‘Were you able to start the car?’ Note however that
