Not cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is relatively expensive or of higher cost compared to alternatives. Example: "While the restaurant offers great food, it's not cheap, so be prepared to spend a bit more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not cheap".

The New Yorker

Not cheap, mind.

Independent

Not cheap, them tickets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not cheap though.

The Guardian - Travel

Not cheap enough for you?

Forbes

Not cheap, in other words.

Forbes

And it's not cheap.

The New York Times - Food

Good but not cheap.

The New Yorker

Barolo is not cheap.

The New York Times - Food

Again, it's not cheap.

The New York Times

Ivermectin is not cheap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Not cheap", clarify the reason for the higher cost to provide context and justify the expense. For example: "The ingredients are organic, so it's not cheap."

Common error

While "Not cheap" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "expensive", "pricey", or "costly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not cheap" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, implying that the noun is relatively expensive or of considerable cost. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase being used to describe the cost of tickets, services, and products.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Travel

15%

Food

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Not cheap" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is relatively expensive. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media and travel writing. When using "Not cheap", ensure that you provide context to justify the higher cost. While acceptable, avoid overusing the phrase by employing synonyms like "pricey" or "expensive" for varied writing. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Relatively expensive

Expresses a similar idea of higher cost but uses a more descriptive adjective.

Doesn't come cheap

More colloquial way of saying something is expensive.

Quite pricey

Uses a more informal term, 'pricey', to indicate something costs a good amount.

On the higher end

Suggests placement within a range of costs, indicating a higher price point.

Not budget-friendly

Emphasizes the lack of affordability, especially for those with limited funds.

Carries a high price tag

Highlights the visibility of the high cost associated with something.

Significantly costly

Uses stronger adjectives to emphasize the substantial expense.

More than reasonable

A euphemistic alternative that downplays the cost while still indicating expense.

A considerable investment

Highlights that expense is more of an investment in something valuable.

It's a splurge

Suggests that purchasing something is an indulgence because of its cost.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "Not cheap"?

When something is described as "Not cheap", it means that it is relatively expensive or costs more than what might be considered a low or average price. It suggests that the item or service in question is of a higher cost.

What are some alternatives to saying "Not cheap"?

You can use alternatives like "relatively expensive", "quite pricey", or "on the higher end" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Not cheap"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "Not cheap". The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "Not cheap"?

The phrase "Not cheap" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, including news and media, travel, and lifestyle discussions where the cost of something is being evaluated. It can be used both formally and informally depending on the overall tone of the conversation or writing.