are not cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the cost or value of items, indicating that they are relatively expensive or of high quality. Example: "While many options are available, the best quality products are not cheap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(These are not cheap).

The New York Times - Arts

They are not cheap.

The New York Times - Travel

Windmills are not cheap.

The New York Times - Tech

Drinks are not cheap.

The Guardian - Travel

Indians are not cheap.

The New York Times

Prizes are not cheap.

The Guardian - Books

Ripi's services are not cheap.

The New York Times - Sports

Islay malts are not cheap.

The New York Times - Food

The fins are not cheap.

The New York Times

Their services are not cheap.

The New York Times

The exams are not cheap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not cheap", consider the audience and context. It's suitable for neutral to formal communication, conveying that the price reflects value or quality. Pair it with specific details justifying the cost to enhance clarity and persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "are not cheap" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or reasons for the higher cost to avoid sounding vague or pretentious. For example, instead of saying "These services are not cheap", specify "These specialized consulting services are not cheap, reflecting the extensive expertise and tailored solutions provided."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not cheap" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is expensive. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not cheap" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is expensive. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. The phrase often implies that the higher price reflects increased value or quality. While versatile, it's advisable to provide context when using "are not cheap" to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like ""are quite expensive"" or ""come at a premium"" can be used for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are quite expensive

Emphasizes a higher degree of cost than the original phrase.

come at a premium

Highlights that the price reflects superior quality or exclusivity.

are relatively costly

Indicates a higher price compared to other similar items.

don't come cheap

A more informal phrasing expressing the same meaning.

carry a high price tag

Focuses on the visible cost and potential sticker shock.

are on the pricier side

Suggests a range of options with this being towards the higher end.

demand a high investment

Shifts focus to the cost as an investment rather than a mere expense.

are far from inexpensive

Uses a double negative to indirectly state high cost.

require a substantial outlay

Emphasizes a significant amount of money is needed.

will break the bank

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme cost.

FAQs

How can I use "are not cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "are not cheap" to indicate that something is expensive. For example, "High-quality materials "are not cheap"" or "Skilled labor "is not cheap"."

What are some alternatives to saying "are not cheap"?

Alternatives include "are quite expensive", "come at a premium", or "are relatively costly" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are not cheap"?

Yes, "are not cheap" is grammatically correct. It is a common and acceptable way to express that something is expensive.

When is it appropriate to use "are not cheap" in writing?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to convey that the cost reflects quality, exclusivity, or a high level of service. It's also suitable when comparing the cost of something to other alternatives, implying it's on the higher end of the price spectrum.