at a hefty price

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a hefty price" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is expensive or comes with a significant cost, either financially or in terms of effort or sacrifice. Example: "The new software promises to improve efficiency, but it comes at a hefty price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But it comes at a hefty price.

The New York Times

All at a hefty price.

The New York Times

This top-shelf service, however, comes at a hefty price.

The New York Times

Roosevelt's small-town intellectual atmosphere comes at a hefty price.

The New York Times

And the repair job will come at a hefty price.

The Guardian - Sport

Though lightweight in feel, the compact comes at a hefty price: $60.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

While still trading at a hefty price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), the company has strong growth prospects.

Forbes

The actress's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" script fetched a hefty price at a marathon auction, but whether today's celebrities will ever have the same draw remains to be seen.

The New York Times

And at $299, that's a hefty price to pay if it ends up in the back of a drawer.

TechCrunch

At that time, their 48 inch balls were retailing for nearly $4,000, a hefty price at the time.

Vice

But living at such an address carries a hefty price tag.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a hefty price" to clearly communicate that something has a high cost, whether monetary or in terms of other resources. It adds emphasis beyond simply stating the price.

Common error

Avoid using "at a hefty price" when the cost is relatively minor or insignificant. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the expense is truly substantial relative to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a hefty price" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the cost associated with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid expression used to emphasize expense. It specifies the manner in which something is obtained or experienced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a hefty price" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that something is notably expensive or has significant costs associated with it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it’s suitable for neutral and professional communication. Alternatives like "at a significant cost" or "at a considerable expense" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a considerable expense

Emphasizes the expense involved, using a more formal tone.

at a significant cost

Highlights the cost, implying it's notable or important.

at a steep cost

Indicates the cost is high or difficult to manage.

at a premium rate

Focuses on the elevated rate or charge applied.

with substantial financial implications

Broader; describes the overall financial consequences.

for a large sum

Indicates a considerable amount of money is required.

for a king's ransom

Emphasizes an extremely high price, often hyperbolically.

at an exorbitant rate

Suggests the price is excessively high and unreasonable.

on the higher end of the spectrum

Indicates a position on a comparative high range.

costing an arm and a leg

Informal expression implying something is very expensive.

FAQs

How can I use "at a hefty price" in a sentence?

You can use "at a hefty price" to describe something that comes with significant costs, like "The new technology offers many advantages, but comes "at a hefty price"."

What's a less formal way to say "at a hefty price"?

Informally, you could say something "costs "an arm and a leg"" or is "very expensive".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "at a hefty price"?

The phrase "at a hefty price" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is notably expensive or comes with a significant cost, be it financial, emotional, or otherwise. It's often used in contexts where the cost is a significant consideration or potential deterrent.

What are some alternatives to "at a hefty price"?

Consider using phrases such as "at a significant cost", "at a considerable expense", or "at a steep cost" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.