a little expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little expensive" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that costs more than you expect or something that you deem too costly. For example: I was looking for a new laptop, but the ones I found were a little expensive for my budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That looks a little expensive, but tell me about it".

The New York Times

It's a little expensive, but then everything is in Soho.

The Guardian

Additionally, though Union Square Cafe is a favorite, it's a little expensive for two grad students.

The New York Times

It is a little expensive, but I'll probably end up sending it back".

The New Yorker

Secondhand record shops are plentiful, too, if a little expensive for a European audience.

The Guardian - Travel

Yes, they're a little expensive but then you've got to take into account my 10% commission.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, "we're happy to start small and stay small, if a little expensive".

The Guardian

Another wide and it's been a little expensive from the promising Sussex man so far.

The Guardian - Sport

Relish offers a wine list that, with few bottles under $25, seems a little expensive.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In practice, though, it works out a little more expensive.

The Economist

Obviously a little bit expensive and la-di-da.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a little expensive", follow it with a justification or comparison to provide context for the cost. For example: "The service is "a little expensive", but the quality is worth it".

Common error

Avoid using too many qualifiers like "a little", as it can weaken your statement. If something is noticeably expensive, consider using a stronger descriptor like "quite expensive" or "moderately priced" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little expensive" functions as a qualifier modifying the adjective "expensive". It indicates a degree of expensiveness that is not extreme but noticeable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and common way to express this idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something costs more than expected, although not excessively. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is perfectly correct for written English. The phrase is used across various contexts, with a primary presence in News & Media. Alternatives such as "somewhat pricey" or "slightly overpriced" can offer similar nuances, depending on the context. When using the expression, providing context, such as a justification for the cost, adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A tad expensive

Replaces "little" with "tad", indicating a slight increase in price.

Slightly overpriced

Indicates a minor degree of overpricing compared to "a little expensive".

Moderately costly

Uses more formal vocabulary to express a similar level of expense.

Somewhat pricey

Employs a more informal term, "pricey", to suggest a similar moderate cost.

A bit steep

Uses "steep" to describe a high price, implying it's a significant amount.

Kind of dear

Uses the less common term "dear" to describe the cost, implying affection or value.

Marginally high-priced

Uses more formal and descriptive terms to indicate a slight increase in price.

Relatively costly

Focuses on the cost in relation to something else, indicating a comparative expense.

On the higher end

Suggests that the price is towards the upper range of what is acceptable or expected.

Not exactly cheap

Uses a double negative to imply that something is somewhat expensive.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "a little expensive"?

It means that the item or service costs more than expected or desired, but not to an extreme degree. It implies that the price is somewhat high but potentially still justifiable.

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

You can use it to describe the cost of an item, service, or experience. For example, "The restaurant was "a little expensive", but the food was delicious", or "The repairs were "a little expensive", but necessary".

What are some alternatives to saying "a little expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat pricey", "slightly overpriced", or "moderately costly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a little expensive" or "a bit expensive"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or regional dialect.