Expense vs. Expence — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 22, 2024
"Expense" is the correct spelling, referring to the cost incurred in or required for something, whereas "expence" is an incorrect variant. Understanding expense helps in financial tracking.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Expense or Expence
How to spell Expense?
Expense
Correct Spelling
Expence
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
To recall the right spelling of "expense," focus on the common phrase “at the expense of,” which uses the correct spelling.
Remembering these associations and frequently using the correct spelling in your writing or practice drills will solidify the correct spelling in your memory.
Remember "expense" starts with "ex" and ends with "se."
Think of "exp" plus "ense" to form "expense."
Also, "expense" shares a pattern with words like "sense" and "defense" where “-se” is used instead of “-ce.”
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Visualize "expense" as a cost, with "pens" in the middle.
Avoid spelling it as "expence"; it’s "expense" with "se."
The word "expense" has seven letters, ending with "se."
How Do You Spell Expence Correctly?
Incorrect: Reducing energy expence is important for saving money.
Correct: Reducing energy expense is important for saving money.
Incorrect: Travel expence can add up quickly on a long trip.
Correct: Travel expense can add up quickly on a long trip.
Incorrect: The total expence for the project was over budget.
Correct: The total expense for the project was over budget.
Incorrect: Expence reports are due at the end of each month.
Correct: Expense reports are due at the end of each month.
Expense Definitions
Expense indicates a regular outgoing amount of money.
Rent is a monthly expense.
Expense can imply a sacrifice or cost, not always monetary.
He saved the game at the expense of his injury.
An expense refers to the money spent on something.
The business trip was a considerable expense.
Expense is the reduction of asset value used to generate revenue.
Depreciation is a non-cash expense.
Expense implies a specific cost incurred in a transaction.
The car repair was an unexpected expense.
Expenditure is an outflow of money, or any form of fortune in general, to another person or group as payment for an item, service, or other category of costs. For a tenant, rent is an expense.
The cost incurred in or required for something
Conference rooms were equipped at great expense
Book into the best hotel you can find and hang the expense
Offset (an item of expenditure) as an expense against taxable income
Up to $17,500 in capital expenditures can be expensed in the year they were incurred
Something spent to attain a goal or accomplish a purpose
An expense of time and energy on the project.
A loss for the sake of something gained; a sacrifice
Achieved speed at the expense of accuracy.
An expenditure of money; a cost
An improvement that was well worth the expense.
A trip with all expenses paid.
Charges incurred by an employee in the performance of work
Was reimbursed for her travel expenses.
(Informal) Money allotted for payment of such charges.
Something requiring the expenditure of money
Redecorating the house will be a considerable expense.
(Archaic) The act of expending.
To charge with expenses.
To write off as an expense.
A spending or consuming, often a disbursement of funds.
She went to great expense to ensure her children would get the best education.
Buying the car was a big expense, but will be worth it in the long run.
We had a training weekend in New York, at the expense of our company.
The elimination or consumption of something, sometimes with the notion of loss or damage to the thing eliminated.
Jones reached the final at the expense of Smith, who couldn't beat him.
(obsolete) Loss.
(transitive) To charge a cost against an expense account; to bill something to the company for which one works.
It should be acceptable to expense a business lunch with a client.
A spending or consuming; disbursement; expenditure.
Husband nature's riches from expense.
That which is expended, laid out, or consumed; cost; outlay; charge; - sometimes with the notion of loss or damage to those on whom the expense falls; as, the expenses of war; an expense of time.
Courting popularity at his party's expense.
Loss.
And moan the expense of many a vanished sight.
Amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
A detriment or sacrifice;
At the expense of
Money spent to perform work and usually reimbursed by an employer;
He kept a careful record of his expenses at the meeting
Expense Meaning in a Sentence
The conference expense included registration, travel, and accommodation.
The expense of the new software will be offset by the increase in productivity.
Utility bills are a regular expense for homeowners and renters alike.
Car maintenance can be a significant annual expense.
Advertising is a necessary expense for most businesses.
The expense of living in a big city is higher than in rural areas.
The expense report must be submitted for reimbursement.
The expense of a wedding can vary greatly depending on location and preferences.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of expense?
Expense is pronounced as [ik-spens].
What is the verb form of expense?
The related verb is "to expense."
Which vowel is used before expense?
The vowel "e" can be used before expense (e.g., an expense).
What is the plural form of expense?
Expenses.
What is the root word of expense?
The root word is the Latin “expensa.”
Which preposition is used with expense?
“At” and “on” are commonly used prepositions with expense.
Which conjunction is used with expense?
No specific conjunction is dedicated for use with expense.
What is the singular form of expense?
Expense.
Why is it called expense?
It's called "expense" due to its origin from the Latin word “expensa” which refers to expenditure or outlay.
Is the word expense imperative?
No, expense is not imperative.
Is expense a noun or adjective?
Expense is a noun.
Is expense an adverb?
No, expense is not an adverb.
Is expense a vowel or consonant?
Expense is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is the expense term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically (e.g., at the expense of).
What part of speech is expense?
Expense is a noun.
Which determiner is used with expense?
"The" or "an" can be used as determiners with expense.
Which article is used with expense?
Either "an" or "the" can be used with expense.
Is the word “expense” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Expense can be used as a direct object.
How do we divide expense into syllables?
Expense is divided as ex-pense.
What is the first form of expense?
The first form of the related verb is "expense."
Is expense a negative or positive word?
Expense is neutral, it can be negative or positive based on the context.
What is the opposite of expense?
Income or revenue could be considered opposites of expense.
Is expense a collective noun?
No, expense is not a collective noun.
How many syllables are in expense?
Expense has two syllables.
What is the second form of expense?
The second form of the related verb is "expensed."
Is expense an abstract noun?
No, expense is a concrete noun.
Is expense a countable noun?
Yes, expense is a countable noun.
Is the word expense a Gerund?
No, expense is not a gerund.
What is a stressed syllable in expense?
The second syllable is stressed in expense.
What is another term for expense?
Another term might be “cost” or "expenditure."
What is the third form of expense?
The third form of the related verb is "expensed."
How is expense used in a sentence?
Expense is used as a noun, e.g., The expense of the trip was higher than expected.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
