a steep price

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep price" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high cost, either financially or in terms of effort or sacrifice. Example: "Choosing to pursue a career in the arts often comes with a steep price, including long hours and financial instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It all comes at a steep price.

The New York Times

A steep price, actually, all things considered.

The New Yorker

Consciousness has a steep price.

The New York Times - Style

But compliance came at a steep price.

The New York Times - Health

"Whew, that's a steep price," he said.

The New York Times

Such contortions came at a steep price.

The New Yorker

Customers have paid a steep price, too.

The New York Times

But they come at a steep price.

MIT Technology Review

If you did, your waistline would pay a steep price.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

These successes came at a steep price.

The New York Times

Such development comes at a steep price.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "a steep price". It's best used when the cost is not just monetary but also carries significant personal or societal implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep price" when simply referring to expensive items. Reserve it for situations where the cost involves significant sacrifice, risk, or ethical considerations. For purely financial contexts, alternatives like "expensive" or "costly" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep price" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes something that is very expensive or has significant negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

9%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep price" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a high cost or significant sacrifice, often beyond just monetary value. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use and acceptability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly communicates the cost and consequences to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as ""a high cost"" or ""a heavy toll"" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A high cost

More general and directly refers to financial or other types of expenses.

A heavy toll

Emphasizes the negative impact and consequences.

A significant sacrifice

Highlights the act of giving up something valuable.

A considerable expense

Focuses on the substantial financial outlay required.

A substantial penalty

Implies a punishment or negative repercussion.

A painful consequence

Stresses the unpleasant outcome of an action or decision.

An exorbitant fee

Refers specifically to an excessively high charge.

A punishing rate

Emphasizes the severity of a financial burden.

A costly undertaking

Highlights the overall expense and resources required for a project or venture.

An arm and a leg

An idiomatic expression indicating an extremely high price.

FAQs

What does it mean when something comes at "a steep price"?

When something comes at "a steep price", it means achieving it requires significant sacrifices, high costs, or facing negative consequences. The phrase often implies the cost is more than just monetary.

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

You can use "a steep price" to describe the high cost or sacrifices involved in achieving something, such as: "Success in the industry often comes at "a steep price", including long hours and personal sacrifices."

What are some alternatives to saying "a steep price"?

Alternatives to "a steep price" include "a high cost", "a heavy toll", or "a significant sacrifice", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a steep price" in formal writing?

Yes, "a steep price" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant consequences or sacrifices. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.