cheap habit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap habit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a behavior or practice that is inexpensive or low-cost, often implying that it may not be the best choice or could be detrimental. Example: "While smoking is a cheap habit, it can lead to serious health issues in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Soft lighting from sconces, and flowers and sparkly candles alight on every table (not on only those that are occupied, a cheap habit in so many dreary dining rooms) reflect the owner's pride in his establishment and are as welcoming as the owner himself.

The New York Times

Even with rush tickets and apps and lotteries, it's not a cheap habit.

Huffington Post

Despite what some of us may think (we who get free books, buy on ereaders, have disposable income), reading is not a cheap habit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

An ultra-close look at the personal life of stand-up comedian Gilbert Gottfried, Neil Berkeley's touching document goes beyond the blue humour and focuses on Gottfried's little-discussed personal life: from his adorable interactions with his wife and kids to his astoundingly cheap travel habits and heartbreakingly real family ties, little is spared and the documentary is all the better for it.

Vice

An ultra-close look at the personal life of stand-up comedian Gilbert Gottfried, Neil Berkeley's touching document goes beyond the blue humor and focuses on Gottfried's little-discussed personal life: from his adorable interactions with his wife and kids to his astoundingly cheap travel habits and heartbreakingly real family ties, little is spared and the documentary is all the better for it.

Vice

"Buying cheap becomes a habit, it is learned behaviour," said Antonides.

BBC

As soon as they crash back down, they're right back to their old habits: cheap sugar, loud marketing, bogus health claims.

Huffington Post

But with the price so cheap, a three-bag habit is affordable to anyone whose hands can beg small change or steal an item off a shelf.

The New York Times

"They live in a very modest house, he drives an old car, he doesn't own a corporate jet — and then there are those bad ties," Mr. Rubin said, referring to Mr. Steyer's habit of wearing cheap, loud plaid or striped ties.

The New York Times

"In the inner city, you can get 80 milligrams of methadone for $20 to $30, which is a lot cheaper than a heroin habit would be.

The New York Times

The prime brokers' habit of making cheap loans to hedge funds in return for poor collateral may well be over.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a long-term behavior, use "habit". For single actions where cost is primary, consider "economical choice".

Common error

Avoid using "cheap habit" when the implication is that something is low quality. Use alternative words to suggest "low value" instead of "low cost" if quality is the primary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap habit" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "cheap" modifies the noun "habit". It describes a recurring behavior or practice characterized by its low cost, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cheap habit" is a phrase used to describe a recurring behavior characterized by its low cost. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct but has a relatively low frequency of use. While the word "cheap" can sometimes carry negative connotations, the overall tone depends on the context. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, and less common in formal business or academic writing. Consider alternative phrases like "inexpensive habit" or "economical practice" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexpensive habit

Replaces "cheap" with a direct synonym, "inexpensive", maintaining the literal meaning of a low-cost habit.

economical practice

Substitutes "habit" with "practice" and "cheap" with "economical", highlighting efficiency and thriftiness.

low-cost activity

Uses "low-cost" in place of "cheap" and "activity" instead of "habit", broadening the scope to any inexpensive pursuit.

budget-friendly routine

Replaces "cheap" with "budget-friendly" and "habit" with "routine", focusing on affordability and regularity.

frugal tendency

Changes "cheap" to "frugal" and "habit" to "tendency", emphasizing careful resource management as a behavioral pattern.

penny-pinching lifestyle

Uses the idiomatic "penny-pinching" for "cheap" and "lifestyle" for "habit", suggesting a broader pattern of frugality.

thrifty custom

Replaces "cheap" with "thrifty" and "habit" with "custom", indicating a traditional or established way of saving money.

cost-effective measure

Shifts from personal habit to a deliberate action, emphasizing efficiency in saving money.

economical way of life

Expands the concept of a single habit to an overall approach to living economically.

affordable pastime

Focuses on leisure activities that are low in price, shifting from general habits to recreational pursuits.

FAQs

What does "cheap habit" mean?

A "cheap habit" refers to a recurring behavior or practice that doesn't cost much money. The phrase can sometimes imply that the habit is not necessarily the best or most beneficial one, just the most affordable.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "cheap habit"?

Not always. While it can imply low quality or a less desirable choice, "cheap habit" can also simply describe a harmless, inexpensive routine. The context determines whether it carries a negative connotation.

What can I say instead of "cheap habit"?

You can use alternatives like "inexpensive habit", "economical practice", or "low-cost activity" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cheap habit"?

Use "cheap habit" when you want to emphasize the low cost of a recurring behavior. It's appropriate when the cost is a significant factor in the behavior, but consider alternatives if you want to emphasize other aspects, such as the habit's benefits or drawbacks.