almost expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly costly but not quite at that level, often implying that it is still somewhat affordable. Example: "The restaurant's prices are almost expensive, making it a treat for special occasions rather than an everyday choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, experimental investigations are time consuming and almost expensive.

Progress in Biomaterials

That makes the $27,450 Nissan seem almost expensive.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Almost the most expensive.

Forbes

The third option, to rebuild your systems from scratch, is sometimes the most rewarding - and almost always the most expensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Oh, I almost forgot, Smurfette is expensive, the most expensive one for sale.

Huffington Post

The list price is $120 million, almost two times more expensive than the most expensive large business jets.

Forbes

Garry Bonelli, spokesman of the San Diego Association of Governments, points out that San Diego's housing is almost as expensive as San Francisco's and more expensive than New York's, but its salaries are lower.

The Economist

That is almost as expensive as equity.

The Economist

A year ago, Moscow was almost as expensive as Tokyo.

The Economist

Brazilian elections are almost as expensive as US ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's almost as expensive as plane fare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost expensive" when you want to convey that something is approaching a high price point without fully reaching it. It's effective for describing items that might stretch a budget but remain within reach.

Common error

Avoid using "almost expensive" when the item is definitively expensive. This phrase is best suited for situations where the price is nearing the expensive range but isn't fully there yet.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost expensive" functions as a qualifier, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a state approaching expensiveness without fully reaching it. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes something nearly costly, but still potentially affordable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost expensive" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something nearing a high price point without quite reaching it. Ludwig AI classifies it as correct and highlights its utility in conveying relative cost. While not exceedingly common, it is found in various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science, demonstrating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects that the subject is approaching expensiveness but isn't definitively costly. Alternatives like "nearly costly" or "borderline pricey" can offer similar nuances. Its most common authoritative sources are Forbes, The Economist, The New York Times, Huffington Post and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearly costly

Focuses on the high cost aspect but indicates it's just shy of being fully expensive.

Borderline pricey

Implies the item is close to being considered expensive, potentially deterring some buyers.

Close to unaffordable

Highlights the potential barrier to purchase due to near-expensiveness.

Moderately high-priced

Describes the cost as above average but not excessively so.

Somewhat steep

Refers to a price that is higher than expected but still manageable.

Relatively high cost

Acknowledges the high price in comparison to other options.

Verging on costly

Suggests the price is nearing the point of being considered expensive.

Tending towards expensive

Indicates a leaning towards the expensive side of the pricing spectrum.

Not quite exorbitant

Emphasizes that while costly, it doesn't reach an unreasonable level.

On the higher end of the scale

Places the price point within a costly range.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost expensive" to describe something that is close to being costly but not quite. For example, "The dress was beautiful, but at that price, it was "almost expensive"".

What's a good alternative to "almost expensive"?

Alternatives to "almost expensive" include "nearly costly", "borderline pricey", or "somewhat steep". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "almost expensive"?

Yes, "almost expensive" is a correct and understandable phrase in English. It indicates that something is approaching being expensive without fully reaching that level.

What does "almost expensive" imply about the price?

The term "almost expensive" suggests the price is high but not prohibitively so. It implies that the item is potentially affordable, though it might require some consideration or budgeting.