a steeper price

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steeper price" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a cost that is higher than expected or compared to another option. Example: "If you want to upgrade your plan, be prepared to pay a steeper price than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

During the crisis, however, Mr. Buffett commanded a steeper price.

The New York Times

It comes at a steeper price: 0.75 percent in annual expenses.

The New York Times

The Squabble in Kabul provided the same escape but at a steeper price.

The New York Times

But those extras come with a steeper price, and you don't get true stereo sound.

The New York Times - Tech

It depends on fossil fuels that we can't depend on and exacts a steeper price in human and environmental health than we can afford.

The New York Times

And yet, even though I disliked his current politics and felt that he should somehow have paid a steeper price for his terrible past, it was impossible not to like him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It all comes at a steep price.

The New York Times

A steep price, actually, all things considered.

The New Yorker

These successes came at a steep price.

The New York Times

Consciousness has a steep price.

The New York Times - Style

But compliance came at a steep price.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steeper price" to concisely indicate a higher cost compared to an alternative or previous situation. This phrase adds a layer of nuance suggesting the increase is notable or perhaps unexpected. For example: "While the basic model is affordable, the upgraded version comes at "a steeper price".

Common error

Avoid using "a steeper price" when the higher cost reflects genuinely higher value. "A steeper price" implies the increase might not be fully justified by the benefits. If the value is evident, consider phrases like "higher investment" or "premium cost" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steeper price" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the magnitude of a cost. It often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, indicating that the cost is higher than expected or previously known. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steeper price" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that something costs more than expected, in direct comparison to another option. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is deemed correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, the expression conveys an increase in cost and is best used when the increased price may be unexpected or undesirable. When the higher cost is justified by higher value, alternative phrasing, like "higher investment", may be more appropriate. All of the examples, guidance and related phrases help to effectively communicate differences in price.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a higher cost

Replaces "steeper price" with a more direct synonym for cost.

a greater expense

Substitutes "price" with "expense", emphasizing the financial outlay.

a premium rate

Implies an additional charge for enhanced service or quality.

a hefty fee

Suggests a considerable charge for a specific service or product.

a significant investment

Frames the cost as a long-term expenditure with potential returns.

a substantial penalty

Emphasizes a punishment or consequence with a high cost.

a considerable sacrifice

Highlights the loss or hardship associated with the cost.

a dear bargain

Highlights how what seems initially a good deal is actually more expensive than expected.

a significant consequence

Shifts focus from monetary cost to broader repercussions.

a tough trade-off

Expresses how the high price involves an important choice to make.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steeper price" to indicate that something costs more than an alternative or more than it used to. For example, "Opting for faster shipping will mean paying "a steeper price"."

What's the difference between "a higher price" and "a steeper price"?

"A higher price" is a general term for something that costs more. "A steeper price" implies that the increase in cost is significant or more than expected. It adds an element of surprise or concern about the increased cost.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a higher cost", "a greater expense", or "a premium rate".

Is it correct to say something "came at a steeper price"?

Yes, it is correct. The expression "came at a steeper price" is used to convey that something was achieved but with significant negative consequences or costs. For instance, "Their victory came at "a steeper price" than anticipated."