a rather expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a high cost or price, often implying that it may not be affordable for everyone. Example: "The restaurant is known for its gourmet dishes, but be prepared for a rather expensive meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

On a per-staff-member basis, YouView has been able to cut its relative expenses, from a rather expensive £112,206 per head to £84,400 per person employed.

The Guardian

But brimstone is essentially just sulfur, a rather expensive commodity when compared with, say, coal.

The New Yorker

We bought a rather expensive Garmin but any handheld satnav system will do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It all comes across as a rather expensive waste of time".

The Guardian - Tech

We are trying to expand the store to include that store, which is a rather expensive venture.

The New York Times

A touch too blinged-up for some tastes, but a quality product – if a rather expensive one.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The most common way to eat at an Indonesian restaurant is to order the rice table (rijsttafel), a large rather expensive buffet type of meal shared by all at the table.

WikiHow

I accompany a large but rather expensive plate of moules-frites (€20) with a glass of the gently bitter, effervescent Saison Voisin.

Independent

"Before a patent is issued the application undergoes a thorough and rather expensive examination process at the Patent Office.

Vice

Another customer seemed interested in a piece of rather expensive Italian art glass.

The New York Times

Trident might not prove much use against the Russians, but it is a valuable – if rather expensive – stick with which to beat the government's political opponents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rather expensive", consider the context and audience. It's suitable for formal and informal settings to describe something costing more than average. Use it to subtly highlight the cost without sounding overly negative or judgmental.

Common error

While grammatically correct, constantly using "a rather expensive" in casual conversation can sound pretentious. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "pricey" or "a bit much" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather expensive" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It serves to describe a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a quality of being somewhat costly or high-priced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rather expensive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase for describing something that costs more than average. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, striking a balance between providing informative detail and maintaining a neutral tone. While commonly found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and general writing. For alternative expressions, consider "quite costly" or "somewhat pricey" for similar meanings. Avoid overuse in very casual contexts to prevent sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite costly

Replaces "rather" with "quite", indicating a slightly higher degree of expensiveness.

somewhat pricey

Uses "pricey" instead of "expensive", offering a more informal tone.

fairly high-priced

Substitutes "expensive" with "high-priced", emphasizing the elevated price level.

relatively dear

Employs "dear" as a synonym for expensive, adding a touch of old-fashioned elegance.

moderately costly

Uses "moderately" to suggest a degree of expensiveness that is not extreme.

a bit on the high side

An idiomatic expression implying that the price is higher than expected or desired.

on the pricier side

Indicates that something is among the more expensive options within a category.

not exactly cheap

Uses understatement to imply that something is expensive.

somewhat extravagant

Suggests that the item or service is not only expensive but also luxurious or unnecessary.

remarkably valuable

Emphasizes the worth of something, implying its high price is justified.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rather expensive" to describe an item, service, or experience that is somewhat costly. For example, "The hotel was "a rather expensive" option, but the amenities were worth it."

What's a more casual way to say "a rather expensive"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative to "a rather expensive", consider using phrases like "quite costly", "somewhat pricey", or "a bit on the high side".

Is there a difference between "a rather expensive" and "very expensive"?

"A rather expensive" suggests a moderate level of expensiveness, while "very expensive" indicates a higher degree. "A rather expensive" implies it's more expensive than expected, but not necessarily the most expensive option available. It's less intense than "very expensive".

When is it appropriate to use "a rather expensive" in writing?

The phrase "a rather expensive" is appropriate in various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and casual writing, as demonstrated by "Ludwig's" examples. It's suitable when you want to convey that something is somewhat pricey without being overly dramatic.