a high price

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high price" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the cost of something, often implying that the cost is more than what is considered reasonable or expected. Example: "The new smartphone comes with a high price, making it less accessible to many consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A high price tag indeed.

Independent

And a high price.

The New York Times

But it came with a high price.

The New York Times

It has come at a high price.

The Economist

But they come at a high price.

The New York Times - Magazine

These features come at a high price.

The New York Times

But he has paid a high price.

The New York Times - Sports

But one with a high price.

Independent

It comes at a high price, however.

The New York Times

It is paying a high price.

The New York Times

But this comes at a high price.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a high price", consider the context. Ensure it accurately reflects whether the cost is monetary, emotional, or otherwise. Using specific figures or details can increase the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a high price" as a generic negative comment. Ensure the cost is genuinely significant or disproportionate to the value received; otherwise, consider alternative expressions like "expensive" or "costly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high price" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement of a verb. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a cost, consequence, or sacrifice that is considered substantial or excessive. Examples show it describing financial costs, emotional tolls, and strategic trade-offs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a high price" is a common phrase used to describe something that is expensive or comes with substantial costs, whether financial, emotional, or otherwise. As noted by Ludwig AI, its grammatical function is primarily as a noun phrase, and it serves to communicate that something is costly or carries significant consequences. It appears frequently in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, consider if the cost is genuinely significant and if alternative expressions like "substantial cost" or "exorbitant fee" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples clearly illustrate its versatility and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A substantial cost

Replaces 'price' with 'cost', emphasizing the financial burden.

An exorbitant fee

Substitutes 'high' with 'exorbitant' and 'price' with 'fee', highlighting excessiveness.

A considerable expense

Uses 'expense' instead of 'price', focusing on the expenditure involved.

A hefty sum

Emphasizes the amount of money involved, implying a significant quantity.

A costly investment

Highlights the investment aspect, suggesting a significant financial outlay.

A premium charge

Indicates that the price is higher due to superior quality or exclusivity.

An inflated rate

Suggests that the price is artificially high.

A significant outlay

Focuses on the act of spending a large amount of money.

A burdensome expense

Emphasizes the oppressive nature of the cost.

A dear acquisition

Highlights the elevated expense of obtaining something.

FAQs

What does "a high price" mean?

The phrase "a high price" refers to a cost that is considered expensive, substantial, or disproportionate to the perceived value or benefit. It can refer to monetary costs, but also emotional, social, or other types of costs.

How can I use "a high price" in a sentence?

You can use "a high price" to indicate that something is expensive or comes with significant consequences. For example: "The new technology comes at "a high price", making it unaffordable for many consumers." or "His ambition came at "a high price", costing him his family relationships."

What are some alternatives to "a high price"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "substantial cost", "exorbitant fee", "considerable expense", or "hefty sum". These alternatives vary in the degree of emphasis on the financial burden.

Is it better to say "a high price" or "expensive"?

Both "a high price" and "expensive" can be used to describe something that costs a lot, but "a high price" often implies that the cost is unexpectedly or unacceptably high in relation to the perceived value. "Expensive" is a more general term.