on the expense of vs at the expense of

Both "at the expense of" and "on the expense of" are commonly used phrases in English, but they have different meanings and contexts. "At the expense of" is the correct and more widely used phrase to indicate that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing something else. On the other hand, "on the expense of" is not a standard English phrase and is not used in this context.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 2763 views

This phrase is not a standard English construction. The correct phrase is "at the expense of."

"on the expense of "

The phrase "on the expense of" is not used in English. Instead, use "at the expense of" to indicate that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing something else.

Show examples from the web [+]

The period considered has been characterized by an increase of imports from the PRC which partly has been on the expense of the supporter's financial performance as concerns Community-produced CFL-i lamps.
Today, then, we are facing an empire, the only one, which has saved on the expense of decolonisation.
The wanton exploitation of our resources is being carried on at the expense of the collective good.
Too many universities are still worrying about their academic independence and focusing too much on knowledge at the expense of skills.
I denounce the emphasis that the EU is currently placing on commercial interests at the expense of peaceful coexistence and human rights.
She wants that kid out on the street at the expense of public safety.
I share Mr Castagnetti's view that too much attention has been focused on EUROPASS Training at the expense of the European pathways.
She wants that kid out on the street at the expense of public safety.
Criticism of the Hague Programme for placing undue emphasis on security considerations at the expense of respect for fundamental rights is justified.
The law is a team sport, and you're so singularly focused on your career at the expense of the work of this office.
The third parties conclude that Sernam is trying to use the aid it receives in order to gain a competitive advantage on the market at the expense of its competitors. They ask for a negative decision and immediate recovery of the aid already granted to Sernam.
In the mobile telephony/service provider business segment, the chief cause of the crisis according to the restructuring plan was the exclusive concentration on growth at the expense of profitability.
It is simply an intermediary which is required by law to take action, but whose activities are restricted to undertaking expenditure on behalf of the co-owners and apportioning the expenses on the basis of accounts rendered.
The travelling expenses of beneficiaries shall be reimbursed on the basis of the expenses actually incurred.
The commitment to divest [...] also ensures that the aid will not be used to grow on that market at the expense of non-aided competitors.
According to the agencies concerned the reduction is attributable to a change in the policy followed by the Commission, which has apparently decided to place greater emphasis on prevention at the expense of rehabilitation.
I endorse the proposal made by Mr Belet concerning the collective selling of TV rights, which seems to me to be a practical way of preventing the major teams 'filling up' on money at the expense of the small companies.
On the pretext of rationalisation, there is too much focus on profitability at the expense of and without thought for ambitious industrial policies and, more importantly, without thought for workers.
As a result of the aid, BankCo can potentially increase its mortgage lending and consequently increase its presence on the market at the expense of other competitors, while unlike them, it does not have to shoulder the burden of the losses on its assets.
The amount for commission was based on the SG&A expenses of the sales company and a profit margin of 3 % was used based on the information gathered from unrelated traders in HK.

Alternatives:

at the expense of

This is the correct phrase to use when indicating that something is achieved or gained by sacrificing something else.

"at the expense of "

"At the expense of" is a common English phrase used to show that one thing is achieved by sacrificing another. It is often used in discussions about trade-offs or consequences.

Examples:

She succeeded at the expense of her personal life.
The company grew rapidly, but at the expense of quality.
He achieved his goals at the expense of his health.
The team won the championship at the expense of their social lives.
The project was completed at the expense of exceeding the budget.

Show examples from the web [+]

I caution against reform of sheepmeat at the expense of other sectors, particularly beef.
First, in the past, short-term macroeconomic stability was often achieved at the expense of structural adjustment and rational allocation of resources.
The Commission wants to increase its power at the expense of political decision-makers.
Congratulations, you have been given a luxury penthouse at the expense of the British taxpayer.
But not at the expense of our cause.
It introduces legislative changes at the expense of the working class and its rights.
There can be no upfront concessions at the expense of human rights.
But this must not be at the expense of swift and efficient implementation.
No European firm should gain competitive advantage at the expense of maltreated children.
All these developments are taking place at the expense of Cypriot consumers and are clearly illegal.
However, we caution against supporting the West Bank administration at the expense of Gaza.
Many companies are thus reorganising at the expense of employees and the state.
Usually, hikikomoris live at the expense of their parents.
But not at the expense of his father.
But only at the expense of another.
City built at the expense of the whole country.
I don't think they meant humor at the expense of the employee.
So you protect your ribs at the expense of your neck.
Especially when it comes at the expense of wealthy Americans.
To obviate conflicts of interest at the expense of air safety.

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on the expense of vs at the expense of

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