be very expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the high cost of an item or service. Example: "The new smartphone model is expected to be very expensive, making it less accessible for many consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A move elsewhere would be very expensive.

Independent

It can be very expensive".

The New York Times - Style

That can be very expensive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bedbugs can be very expensive house guests.

The New York Times

And these methods can be very expensive.

The New York Times

Retribution can be very expensive.

Harvard Business Review

"Vet bills can be very expensive.

The New York Times

"Mistakes can be very expensive," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

They got to be very expensive.

The Guardian

He will be very expensive," Brands said.

The Guardian - Sport

Because public/private can be very expensive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be very expensive", ensure the context clarifies what specific aspect contributes to the high cost. This provides more informative content.

Common error

Avoid using "be very expensive" without providing context. Instead of saying 'Luxury cars can be very expensive', specify the feature that drives the cost, like 'Luxury cars can be very expensive due to advanced technology and premium materials'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very expensive" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the attribute of a subject as having a high cost. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears across various contexts to convey that something requires a significant financial outlay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be very expensive" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something with a high cost. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely accepted across various contexts, from news and media to informal discussions. While synonyms like "cost a fortune" or "be extremely costly" exist, "be very expensive" maintains a neutral tone suitable for most situations. When using this phrase, providing context about the specific factors contributing to the high cost enhances clarity and provides more informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cost a fortune

Emphasizes the high cost, suggesting it's extremely expensive.

be extremely costly

Highlights the high cost in a formal way.

be highly priced

Focuses on the elevated price point.

be prohibitively expensive

Suggests the cost is so high that it prevents purchase.

come at a premium

Indicates a higher price due to superior quality or exclusivity.

break the bank

Means to use up all one's savings; very expensive.

be on the pricier side

Indicates that something is somewhat expensive.

drain your wallet

To spend or lose a lot of money, especially more than you can afford.

require a significant investment

Implies a large sum of money is needed, often for long-term benefit.

be quite pricey

A less intense way of saying something is expensive.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "cost a fortune", "be extremely costly", or "be highly priced" depending on the context.

How do I use "be very expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "be very expensive" to describe something that has a high cost. For example, "Moving to a new city can be very expensive", or "Repairs to old houses can be very expensive".

What makes something qualify as "be very expensive"?

Something qualifies as "be very expensive" when its cost is significantly higher than average, especially in relation to similar items or services. The perception of "very expensive" can also be subjective and depend on the buyer's financial situation.

Is it more appropriate to use "be very expensive" in formal or informal contexts?

"Be very expensive" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. More formal alternatives could include "be extremely costly", while more informal options could include "cost a fortune".