cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is low in price. For example: "I bought this dress for a very cheap price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's not cheap.

The Guardian - Money

He blames the influx of cheap silk from China for the failure of his business.

The Guardian

There is a lot at stake and a lot of potential here, but the coalition seems to prefer shale gas, even though it is problematic, than this cheap and readily available form of fuel".

The Guardian

If you feed your dog cheap food - well try picking that up".

The Guardian - Business

For weeks, even months, they would refuse shampoo, resulting in hair that emitted cheap cider and bong fumes wherever they went and gradually became lanker, greasier and flatter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Udarnik Cafe on Grajski Square is a great circular space in a 1930s cinema, with film quotes on the wall and seriously cheap beer.

The Guardian - Travel

Avenida Bajo de Guía 30, [phone], joselitohuerta.com Bar Barbiana, Sanlúcar It has the look of a pricey deli – backlit shelves of wine, artfully arranged langoustines – but the football is always on the television, the mood's relaxed and the drinks are cheap.

The Guardian - Travel

Katherine Brown, director of the Institute of Alcohol Studies thinktank, said: "Before addressing individual drinkers it's important to begin by tackling the problem at the source, making it less easy to access cheap strong drink in supermarkets at all hours.

The Guardian

The reasons are complex: ever-increasing paranoia (particularly for women hitching alone), the advent of cheap coach travel in the 1980s and cheap flights in the 1990s all play a part in this downfall.

The Guardian - Opinion

For me, though, it offers the possibility of immortality of the best kind - easy, cheap, and my great-great-grandchildren might be able to load me from disk to play alongside them in Resident Evil 73.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One industry expert said the gambit could drive sales because Wetherspoon has already built on its image as a provider of cheap beer in music-free pubs.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing products or services, use "cheap" to emphasize affordability, but be mindful of potential negative connotations suggesting low quality.

Common error

In formal or professional writing, avoid using "cheap" too frequently. Opt for alternatives like "affordable", "low-cost", or "economical" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "cheap" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate low price or cost. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, as seen in examples like "cheap beer" or "cheap food".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Books

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cheap" is a commonly used adjective that indicates something has a low price. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. While it effectively communicates affordability, remember that "cheap" can sometimes imply lower quality, so consider alternatives like "affordable", "inexpensive", or "economical" in more formal settings. As Ludwig examples show, "cheap" is commonly found in news, travel, and business contexts, highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-priced

Focuses specifically on the reduced monetary cost.

inexpensive

A more common and neutral alternative to "cheap".

affordable

Highlights the accessibility of the item or service due to its price.

economical

Emphasizes the value received for the money spent.

budget-friendly

Appeals to those looking to save money or stick to a budget.

cut-rate

Implies a significantly lower price, often suggesting a compromise in quality.

bargain-priced

Highlights the item as a good deal or opportunity to save money.

discounted

Indicates a reduction from the original or standard price.

at a reduced price

A more formal way of saying something is not "cheap".

low cost

Directly states the cost is not high

FAQs

How can I use "cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "cheap" to describe something that has a low price, for example, "This restaurant offers "cheap meals"" or "I bought a "cheap car"".

What are some alternatives to the word "cheap"?

Alternatives include "inexpensive", "affordable", "low-priced", or "economical" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cheap" or "inexpensive"?

While both words describe low cost, "cheap" can sometimes imply lower quality. "Inexpensive" is generally considered a more neutral and polite term.

What is the difference between "cheap" and "frugal"?

"Cheap" often refers to low price and can sometimes suggest poor quality. "Frugal" implies being economical and resourceful in spending money wisely and avoiding waste. Frugality is about value, not just low cost.