Economical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Economical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is efficient in terms of resources, cost, or effort, often in relation to saving money or being frugal. Example: "The new model of the car is more economical, allowing drivers to save on fuel costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A triumph-over-adversity tale about John Nash, a real-life mathematician and paranoid schizophrenic who in 1994 won a Nobel prize in economics, it has commanding performances from Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, and an inspiring script by Akiva Goldsman (even if it is economical with the truth and the economics).

The Economist

In one sense this hardly seems newsworthy, but it is telling that even economists think that F Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece offers the most resonant (and economical) shorthand for the problems of social mobility, economic inequality and class antagonism that we face today.

The Guardian - Books

I have been involved in a few political crises in my time and have always come out on top by bullying people, shouting a lot and being entirely economical with the truth.

The Guardian - Books

Tillerson repeated his long-held view that renewable energy is not economical yet, adding, "We choose not to lose money on purpose".

The Guardian - Business

Raymond Carver (1976) Possibly the most economical short story writer in this list, Carver, with his precise, punchy prose, conveys in a few words what many novelists take several pages to elucidate.

The Guardian

Fitzgerald had much to say about the failure of this dream, and the fraudulences that sustain it – but his insights are not all contained within the economical pages of his greatest novel.

The Guardian - Books

When one man questions his use of violence (in any form – physical, verbal, emotional, or economical), it is proof that people can change.

The Guardian

The famously unfettered Conservative minister Alan Clark refashioned that formula later, putting it up a notch or two in the mendacity league by telling the Matrix Churchill hearing on arms sales to Iraq that in answering parliamentary questions he'd been "economical with the actualité" – an answer honest enough to cause the trial to collapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a classic case of a PR being economical with the truth.

The Guardian

Andesmar, Condor, Don Otto and El Pinguino operate comfortable, economical long-distance buses to the main towns (Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn costs from £70).

The Guardian - Travel

For example, less domestic violence, more women in the political and economical arenas in leadership positions, more fathers who work and are actively engaged in household chores and child care.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or service, highlight its long-term benefits in addition to its immediate cost savings to emphasize that it's "economical".

Common error

Avoid using "economical" when "economic" is more appropriate. "Economical" describes something that saves resources, while "economic" relates to the economy or financial systems. For example, an "economical" car saves fuel, while "economic" growth refers to an increase in a country's production and income.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "economical" primarily functions to describe something that is efficient in the use of resources, typically money, time, or effort. Ludwig AI indicates that this aligns with its common usage in various contexts. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it modifies nouns to indicate cost-effectiveness or efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "economical" is a versatile adjective that denotes efficiency and resourcefulness. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "frugal" and "cost-effective" exist, understanding its specific nuance—saving resources—is crucial for precise communication. By avoiding confusion with "economic" and highlighting long-term benefits, writers can effectively leverage "economical" to convey value and efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Frugal

Focuses on avoiding waste and unnecessary spending, often implying a lifestyle choice rather than just a cost-saving measure.

Cost-effective

Emphasizes the value received for the money spent, highlighting the balance between cost and benefit.

Thrifty

Suggests resourcefulness and cleverness in managing money to get the most out of it.

Budget-friendly

Highlights affordability and suitability for those with limited financial resources.

Sparing

Implies using resources carefully and in small amounts to avoid depletion or waste.

Efficient

Focuses on achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

Economizing

The action of reducing expenditure; spending less.

Saving

Emphasizes accumulating money by spending less.

Prudent

Suggests wisdom and careful consideration in financial matters, avoiding risks.

Revenue-generating

Related to creating income and maximizing profits

FAQs

How can I use "economical" in a sentence?

Use "economical" to describe something that is efficient and saves resources, such as "This car is very economical on gas" or "It's more economical to buy in bulk".

What's the difference between "economical" and "economic"?

"Economical" means saving money or resources, while "economic" relates to the economy or financial matters. For example, an "economical" choice saves you money, while "economic growth" refers to the expansion of a country's economy.

What are some synonyms for "economical"?

Synonyms for "economical" include "frugal", "thrifty", "cost-effective", and "budget-friendly", all suggesting efficiency in the use of resources.

Is it always better to be "economical"?

While being "economical" is often beneficial, it's not always the best approach. Sometimes, spending more initially on a higher-quality product can be more economical in the long run due to its durability and reduced need for replacements.