Somewhat costly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Somewhat costly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a moderate or relatively high price, indicating that it is not inexpensive but not excessively expensive either. Example: "The new software is somewhat costly, but it offers features that can significantly improve our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The "Mass Destruction" moniker went to a particularly long, somewhat costly date imported from Iraq.

The New York Times

The first — admitting that the intervention was a mistake — is humiliating and somewhat costly in various ways.

The New Yorker

The first admitting that the intervention was a mistake is humiliating and somewhat costly in various ways.

The New Yorker

Weekend visitors fill the 230 seats, and hundreds more spill onto the sandy sidewalk, waiting up to a silly four hours for succulent, somewhat costly East Coast seafood.

The New York Times

When it comes to shutting down a city, it's very unlikely that we're going to make a habit of this sort of thing: it's immensely costly for the government, somewhat costly to the economy, and except in very extraordinary instances, people don't like it.

The New York Times

This behavior introduces significant overhead as context switches are somewhat costly on the host system.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Max appears somewhat costlier too, sleeker, as does 99 (leggy, pretty, harmless Anne Hathaway).

The New York Times

The longer pipeline to Austria was expected to be somewhat costlier to build and operate than the route to Italy.

The New York Times

This package will be somewhat costlier and harder to assemble than an IKEA bookshelf, and he cannot hope to accomplish it alone.As Obamamania grips the planet, it is easy to forget that power in America is divided.

The Economist

Converting to these cleaner sources may be somewhat costlier in the short term, but they could ultimately pay for themselves by heading off climate damages and reducing health problems associated with dirty air.

The New York Times

It was a pretty costly way to do it, but it achieved its goal.' The goals in Iraq, he concedes, are somewhat less clear.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the price of a product or service, use "somewhat costly" to suggest it's not the cheapest option, but its features or benefits justify the expense. This can help manage expectations and highlight value.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat costly" when the price is significantly high, as it might mislead readers. If an item is genuinely expensive, use stronger terms like "expensive" or "high-priced" to accurately reflect its cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat costly" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It modifies the adjective "costly," indicating the degree or extent of the cost. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing items or services that are not inexpensive, but not extremely expensive either.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat costly" serves as a useful tool for accurately describing the price of goods, services, or actions. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in diverse sources like news, science and wiki entries make it a reliable choice for writers. It signals that something is not cheap but not exorbitantly priced either. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "moderately expensive" or "reasonably priced". Be mindful to adjust your language to align with the true cost, avoiding exaggeration or understatement. Understanding these nuances allows you to communicate more effectively and prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moderately expensive

Indicates a cost that is neither cheap nor excessively high.

Reasonably priced

Suggests the cost is fair in relation to its value.

Comparatively pricey

Highlights the cost in relation to similar items or options.

Slightly high-priced

Emphasizes a cost that is a bit above average.

A bit dear

An informal way to describe something as somewhat expensive.

Kind of expensive

A more conversational way to express moderate cost.

Not exactly cheap

Underlines that something is not inexpensive, without explicitly stating it's very costly.

Worth the investment

Highlights the value of the purchase, suggesting that the cost is justified.

Higher than average price

Specifies that the cost is above the typical price point.

In the upper price range

Indicates placement within a more costly segment of the market.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat costly" in a sentence?

Use "somewhat costly" to describe something that is moderately expensive but not excessively so. For example, "The repairs were "somewhat costly", but necessary."

What is a good alternative for "somewhat costly"?

Alternatives include "moderately expensive", "reasonably priced", or "slightly high-priced" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat costly" the same as "expensive"?

No, "somewhat costly" implies a moderate level of expense, while "expensive" suggests a higher price point. Something that is "somewhat costly" is not the cheapest option but not excessively expensive either.

When should I use "somewhat costly" instead of "cheap"?

Use "somewhat costly" when the item is not cheap but also doesn't break the bank. If you want to indicate something is not inexpensive but still affordable, "somewhat costly" is an appropriate descriptor.