be prohibitively expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be prohibitively expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing costs that are so high that they prevent someone from being able to afford something. Example: "The repairs for the old building could be prohibitively expensive, making it unfeasible to restore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that would be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

C.D.S. contracts can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.

The New Yorker

Hiring qualified staff can be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

But their services can be prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times

Such laser scanning would be prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times - Science

But saving one can be prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times

It can be prohibitively expensive to live alone off campus.

Harvard University

But issuing new radios would be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

But even one child can be prohibitively expensive.

The Guardian - Opinion

But shortening that distance can be prohibitively expensive.

The New York Times - Arts

To do that for one hammer would be prohibitively expensive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be prohibitively expensive", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the cost prohibitive. For instance, specify who cannot afford it or what projects it would render unfeasible.

Common error

Avoid using "be prohibitively expensive" as a blanket statement without providing specific details or comparisons. Quantify the cost or provide context to demonstrate why it's considered prohibitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be prohibitively expensive" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the subject by attributing to it the characteristic of being too costly to be feasible or affordable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be prohibitively expensive" is a grammatically sound and common way to express that the cost of something is so high as to make it unfeasible or unattainable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's most frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to discuss financial barriers. Related phrases include "be too expensive" and "be unaffordable". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the prohibitive aspect of the cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be too expensive

Directly states high cost without implying prevention.

be unaffordable

Focuses on the inability to afford the item or service.

cost a fortune

An idiomatic expression indicating very high cost.

be excessively costly

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the cost.

break the bank

An idiomatic phrase indicating that something will deplete one's funds.

be out of reach financially

Highlights the financial inaccessibility.

be beyond one's means

Indicates that something is not affordable within one's budget.

be unreasonably priced

Focuses on the perceived lack of justification for the cost.

carry a high price tag

Draws attention to the high price associated with something.

come at a premium

Suggests a higher price due to exclusivity or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "be prohibitively expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "be prohibitively expensive" to describe costs that are so high that they prevent someone from undertaking an action or purchasing an item. For example: "The repairs for the old building could "be prohibitively expensive", making it unfeasible to restore."

What are some alternatives to "be prohibitively expensive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be too expensive", "be unaffordable", or "cost a fortune", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be prohibitively expensive" or "be very expensive"?

"Be prohibitively expensive" suggests that the cost is so high that it prevents an action or purchase. "Be very expensive" simply indicates a high cost without implying prevention. The choice depends on the context and the intended meaning.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "be prohibitively expensive"?

It's appropriate in contexts where high costs are a significant barrier, such as discussing project feasibility, personal finances, or economic policies. Ensure that the context clearly explains why the cost is considered prohibitive.