at any/whatever cost

raes112 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-Dec-2007, 07:09

I was wondering if this sentence is correct:

She tried to serve the poor at any whatever cost.

I think it should be either:

She tried to serve the poor at any cost.

or

She tried to serve the poor at whatever cost.

However, a university used "at any whatever cost" on their entrance exam.

Horsa · #2 (**permalink**) 10-Dec-2007, 09:03

You are right the sentence is unacceptable.

I prefer the first of your alternatives.

The second might be better as -

She tried to serve the poor whatever the cost.

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