a relatively costly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively costly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the cost of something to other options, indicating that it is more expensive than average or expected. Example: "The new software solution is a relatively costly investment, but it promises significant long-term savings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That meant that the Hong Kong dollar was overvalued relative to other Asian currencies, and it made this former British colony a relatively costly place to do business.

The New York Times

LEDs are conventionally made on a relatively costly substrate of silicon carbide or sapphire.

MIT Technology Review

Currently, polymer modified asphalt mixture is a relatively costly mixture for paving roads.

Materials & Design

And corn is a relatively costly source of sugar, as the American ethanol industry has discovered to its distress.

MIT Technology Review

Even if the generating mix gets greener, electric vehicles are so expensive to produce, that they will still be a relatively costly way of abating CO2 emissions.

The Economist

Creating hydrogen or synthetic methane from renewables is technically feasible, but is a relatively costly proposition.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Korean Prototype Gen-IV sodium-cooled fast reactor (PGSFR) is supposed to be loaded with a relatively-costly low-enriched U fuel, while its envisaged transuranic fuels are not available for transmutation.

Nuclear Engineering and Technology

The first factor would make the installation of a special pen relatively costly, while the second would mean that it would be difficult to accommodate all calving cows in a pen even if one had been available.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Because data is replicated, validated, and secured across parties through complex cryptographic consensus mechanisms, a blockchain infrastructure is relatively costly and less efficient, so a minimum threshold of viability is whether it adds value beyond what traditional tech infrastructures can provide today.

Forbes

Supply of prescription glasses is an example of a basic service that is relatively costly and often inaccessible outside the largest towns.

BMC Health Services Research

Yet, these simulations remain relatively costly within a clinical context.

Medical Image Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a relatively costly", be specific about what you are comparing the cost to. Providing context helps the reader understand the degree of expensiveness. For example, "While solar panels are "a relatively costly" initial investment, they offer long-term savings on electricity bills".

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively costly" without providing a rationale. Simply stating something is expensive without context weakens your argument. Instead, elaborate on the factors contributing to the higher cost or the benefits that justify it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively costly" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that it possesses a higher price or expense compared to other similar items or options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relatively costly" serves as an adjectival phrase indicating that something is more expensive compared to other options, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. The phrase is used to inform and provide a balanced perspective without necessarily deterring the audience. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context for the comparison to enhance clarity. While "comparatively expensive" and "moderately priced" serve as viable alternatives, the specific choice depends on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comparatively expensive

Replaces "relatively costly" with "comparatively expensive", focusing on comparing the cost to something else.

More costly in comparison

Emphasizes that the cost is elevated when directly contrasted with another item or service.

More expensive than average

Directly states that the cost is above the average price point.

Pricier than usual

Indicates the cost is higher compared to what is typically expected.

Comes at a higher price point

More formally describes the cost as being elevated.

Moderately priced

Uses "moderately priced" to indicate a cost that is neither cheap nor excessively expensive, implying a middle ground.

On the higher end of the price range

Indicates the cost falls towards the upper portion of available prices.

Somewhat overpriced

Suggests the item's cost is a bit higher than its perceived value, with a slightly negative connotation.

At a premium

Implies a higher cost due to superior quality or exclusivity.

Not the cheapest option

A more indirect way of saying something is "relatively costly", focusing on the lack of cheapness.

FAQs

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

Use "a relatively costly" to indicate that something is more expensive than other options or alternatives. For example, "Organic produce is "more expensive" than conventionally grown produce, making it "a relatively costly" choice."

What are some alternatives to "a relatively costly"?

You can use alternatives like "comparatively expensive", "moderately priced", or "somewhat overpriced" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "relatively costly" or "somewhat expensive"?

Both "relatively costly" and "somewhat expensive" are valid. "Relatively costly" implies a comparison to something else, while "somewhat expensive" simply indicates that something is a bit pricey. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the comparison.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a relatively costly"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that the cost is higher compared to other options but not necessarily prohibitively expensive. For example, you might say, "While electric vehicles have lower running costs, the initial purchase is "a relatively costly" investment."