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SheltieBites Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Cost (From)...To...

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/16/health/16derm.html

"Regardless of type, dermoscopes cost from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on whether the device has features like a built-in digital camera. "

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/14/realestate/14iht-revine.1.6137421.html

"The two- to three-story villas range from 2,900 square feet to 5,200 square feet and cost 15 million dollars to 43 million dollars, or 5,000 dollars to 9,000 dollars per square foot."

What does "from" add to the pattern "cost from ... dollars to ... dollars"?
  

Top answer

SheltieBites What does "from" add to the pattern "cost from ... dollars to ... dollars"?

— CalifJim

  • SheltieBites What does "from" add to the pattern "cost from ...
  • dollars to ...
  • dollars"?
  • It makes it a little more clear that the writer is talking about a range of costs rather than about just one amount.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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SheltieBitesWhat does "from" add to the pattern "cost from ... dollars to ... dollars"?
It makes it a little more clear that the writer is talking about a range of costs rather than about just one amount.

CJ
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So,

"A big mac costs $3 to $5."
is slightly ambiguous, and

"A big mac costs from $3 to $5."
is better written?
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SheltieBites---------------------------

So,

"A big mac costs $3 to $5."
is slightly ambiguous, and

"A big mac costs from $3 to $5."
is better written?
In my opinion, yes, the second one is better written, but at the same time I would not say that leaving out 'from' is a mistake. It's simply an alternate choice.
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