Very pricey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Very pricey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered to be very expensive or costly. Example: "The restaurant was nice, but the menu was very pricey, making it hard to justify dining there regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Wiki

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I remember paying a very pricey $8 each for them.

Independent

Inevitably, the winners were very pricey and very pink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The cost of hedging has become very pricey," he said.

The New York Times

I've tried Google adwords but it's also very pricey.

The Guardian - Money

Many ATMs in Spain offer this very pricey "service".

The Guardian - Money

"They were knocking off Courrèges for very pricey prices.

The New York Times - Magazine

But even Williamsburg is becoming very pricey these days — the market is pushing it up.

The New York Times

"The information we have suggests it's ongoing and that it's a very pricey commodity," says Crook.

The Guardian

If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey.

The New York Times - Travel

"Williamsburg's very pricey," he said, sitting next to a large window that faces Arion Place.

The New York Times

"Criminals don't carry around very pricey, very heavy rifles," Mr. Michel said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cost of an item or service, consider your audience. Use "very pricey" when you want to convey a strong sense of expensiveness but avoid overly formal or technical language. It fits well in news articles, blog posts, and everyday conversations.

Common error

While "very pricey" is acceptable in many situations, it can sound less professional in formal business reports or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "highly expensive" or "costly" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very pricey" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something has a high price or cost. Ludwig examples showcase it describing items from hotel packages to commodities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

10%

Lifestyle

9%

Less common in

Travel

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very pricey" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is expensive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and lifestyle-related content. While it is suitable for most situations, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. When using the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing, opting for synonyms like "highly expensive" or "extremely costly" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highly expensive

Emphasizes the high level of expense.

Extremely costly

Highlights the significant cost involved.

Considerably overpriced

Focuses on the idea that the price is higher than the perceived value.

Prohibitively expensive

Suggests the price is so high it prevents purchase.

Top-tier pricing

Indicates the pricing is at the highest level.

Premium cost

Implies that high cost is due to superior quality or exclusivity.

Exorbitantly priced

Highlights that the price is unreasonably high.

Incredibly dear

Uses "dear" to express a high price in a more formal tone.

At a premium

Describes something as available only at an elevated price point.

Steeply-priced

Describes something with a price that is notably high.

FAQs

What does "very pricey" mean?

The phrase "very pricey" means something is "highly expensive" or costly. It's a way to describe something that costs a lot of money.

How can I use "very pricey" in a sentence?

You can use "very pricey" in a sentence like this: "The hotel was beautiful, but the rooms were "very pricey"." or "That restaurant is known for its "very pricey" wine list."

What are some alternatives to saying "very pricey"?

Some alternatives to "very pricey" include "highly expensive", "extremely costly", or "considerably overpriced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "very pricey" suitable for formal writing?

While "very pricey" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "highly expensive" or "at a premium".