Moderately expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Moderately expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not cheap but also not overly costly, indicating a middle range in pricing. Example: "The restaurant is known for its moderately expensive menu, appealing to both budget-conscious diners and those willing to spend a bit more for quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Moderately expensive.

Los Angeles Times

THE BILL Moderately expensive.

The New York Times

Even on moderately expensive speakers, the difference is barely perceptible.

Independent

All along the Strada I found prices to be moderately expensive but still representing good value.

The New York Times - Travel

IT'S a challenge for restaurants to offer exciting lists of expensive or even moderately expensive wines.

The New York Times - Food

It had spent heavily last summer, but, as ever, on moderately expensive players.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

That offer included a 7.5percentt pay hike over the course of the contract -- a one percent bump over what was previously offered -- along with 401k and pension contributions, and health coverage that was only moderately more expensive than the current plan, according to Verizon, which owns AOL, The Huffington Post's parent company.

HuffPost

STONY BROOK, a culturally and historically endowed residential hamlet of moderately priced to expensive houses in Suffolk County's town of Brookhaven, owes much to Ward Melville, the visionary philanthropist who strove in 1940 to reconstruct the village with a blend of housing, business and culture in a New England-like setting.

The New York Times

The tuition inflation was most pronounced among expensive, moderately selective private colleges part of Dr. Warren's constituency.

Forbes

NOT quite fitting the Long Island profile of a village, a town or a city, Rockville Centre combines elements of all three in a self-contained setting on the South Shore of Nassau County where expensive to moderately priced single family homes combine with a large number of cooperative apartments.

The New York Times

By The Numbers Vacations or day trips to snowy areas can range from moderately priced to quite expensive.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing products or services, use "moderately expensive" to strike a balance between quality and affordability, indicating that the item offers good value without being excessively priced.

Common error

Avoid using "moderately expensive" when referring to items that are clearly either very cheap or very costly; ensure the price aligns with a middle-ground perception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderately expensive" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing the degree to which something is expensive. It serves to qualify a noun, indicating that the item or service is neither cheap nor overly costly. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moderately expensive" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English to describe something that isn't cheap but also isn't overly costly, indicating a middle range in pricing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, it is still recognized and understood across various sectors, including science and general knowledge. When using this phrase, consider if it appropriately reflects the cost of the item you are describing and whether alternative expressions like "reasonably priced" or "fairly expensive" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moderately priced

A direct synonym, emphasizing a price point that is neither high nor low.

Reasonably priced

Implies a fair price for the quality or service offered, focusing on value.

Mid-range cost

Specifically refers to a product or service falling within the middle price bracket.

Mid-level pricing

Similar to mid-range cost, pointing to an intermediate position on the price scale.

Not overly expensive

Emphasizes the absence of extreme cost, implying affordability within limits.

Affordable but not cheap

Highlights that while not the cheapest option, it remains accessible within a budget.

Fairly expensive

Suggests a price that is somewhat high but justifiable given certain factors.

Economical but not bargain-basement

Implies some consideration of economy and is not the cheapest but still a good deal.

Somewhat costly

Indicates that the price is a bit on the higher side, though not excessively so.

Within a reasonable budget

Frames the price in terms of fitting within acceptable spending limits.

FAQs

How can I use "moderately expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "moderately expensive" to describe items or services that are neither cheap nor excessively priced. For instance, "The restaurant offers a "moderately expensive" menu with high-quality ingredients".

What are some alternatives to saying "moderately expensive"?

Alternatives include "reasonably priced", "mid-range cost", or "fairly expensive", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more accurate, "moderately expensive" or "somewhat expensive"?

"Moderately expensive" and "somewhat expensive" are quite similar, but "moderately" suggests a clearer middle ground, while "somewhat" implies a slight leaning towards the higher end.

Is there a difference between "moderately priced" and "moderately expensive"?

"Moderately priced" and "moderately expensive" are largely interchangeable, both indicating a cost that is neither cheap nor exorbitant. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.