are very expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the high cost of items or services. Example: "Luxury cars are very expensive, often costing more than a small house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Terraces are very expensive".

The New York Times

"Ferries are very expensive.

The New York Times

"Children are very expensive".

The Guardian - Books

Nuclear reactors are very expensive.

The New York Times

Swarm bots are very expensive.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Such conversions are very expensive.

The New York Times

Large OLED screens are very expensive.

The New York Times

These injections are very expensive, however.

Stanford University

The tickets are very expensive too.

The Guardian - Sport

The farm-raised leeches are very expensive.

The New York Times - Sports

For one, they are very expensive.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing extreme cost, consider stronger synonyms like "exorbitant" or idiomatic expressions such as "cost a fortune."

Common error

While "very expensive" is correct, overuse can weaken your writing. Instead of "very expensive", try "exorbitant", "costly", or "prohibitively expensive" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very expensive" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes the subject by attributing the quality of being highly costly to it. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are very expensive" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has a high cost. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While suitable for various contexts, consider stronger synonyms such as "exorbitant" or "prohibitively expensive" to add emphasis. Be mindful of overusing the modifier "very", and explore alternative phrases like "are costly" or "cost a fortune" for more impactful writing. As shown in the examples, the phrase frequently appears in news, academic, and general information contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are costly

A more concise way of stating that something is expensive.

are highly-priced

Focuses more strongly on the elevated price point.

are extremely costly

Emphasizes the high level of cost more intensely.

are prohibitively expensive

Indicates that the cost is so high as to prevent purchase or use.

are exorbitant

Highlights an extreme level of expensiveness, often implying unfair pricing.

cost a fortune

An idiomatic expression denoting great expense.

carry a high price tag

Highlights that something has a noticeable high price.

are priced high

Focuses on the act of setting a high price.

represent a significant investment

Downplays the expense by framing it as a long-term investment.

are valuable but expensive

Highlights both the positive value and the high cost of an item.

FAQs

How can I use "are very expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "are very expensive" to describe items or services that have a high price. For example: "Luxury cars "are very expensive", often costing more than a small house."

What can I say instead of "are very expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "are costly", "are pricey", or "cost a fortune" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are very expensive" or "are so expensive"?

Both "are very expensive" and "are so expensive" are grammatically correct. "Are so expensive" implies a higher degree of surprise or emphasis on the expensiveness.

What is the difference between "are expensive" and "are very expensive"?

"Are expensive" indicates a general high cost. "Are very expensive" emphasizes the high cost to a greater degree, suggesting it's notably or surprisingly expensive.