cheaper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheaper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing prices or costs, indicating that something is less expensive than another option. Example: "This store offers a cheaper alternative to the brand-name product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even if people are dissatisfied with their bank, it's usually cheaper not to fight than to switch.

The Economist

He told the audience that analysts were already predicting that large scale solar power would be "cheaper than coal in China and India within the next five to ten years" and that wind energy was already "at parity with new coal in India".

The Guardian

In the early 2000s, pharmaceutical companies were high on activists' hit lists, prompted by Big Pharma's ill-advised attempt to sue the South African government for patent infringement on HIV drugs; an attempt to deal with the country's epidemic by allowing cheaper, generic copies to be sold.

The Guardian

Lyons notes that globalisation has helped reduce inequality between countries, but is "adding to inequality within countries, as highly skilled workers benefit from new markets, while low- and medium-skilled workers in the west compete with cheaper workers in emerging countries, or with immigrants at home".

The Guardian - Business

Make a simple pasta with the cheaper trimmings of Scottish smoked salmon available in supermarkets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For visitors renting an apartment, this can be a great address for buying ready-cooked meals 10-200% cheaper for take away).

The Guardian - Travel

Figures from the government and the biogas industry show that generating gas from waste can produce cheaper energy in the short term with fewer carbon emissions than current controversial hydraulic fracturing projects.

The Guardian

At the bottom end, consumers are beginning to see through the old lie that supermarkets are always cheaper (my greengrocer beats the prices at Sainsbury's every time, which is why there's always a queue).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Insiders say SBS is letting experienced staff go and hiring younger, cheaper ones to replace them.

The Guardian

It would be cheaper and more humane to allow asylum seekers to live in the community amongst us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Home: Camping in the New Forest Sandy Balls holiday park in the New Forest (stop sniggering) has introduced a cheaper alternative to its woodland lodges and mobile homes for this summer: camping pods.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing prices, be specific about what you're comparing. For example, instead of saying "This is cheaper", specify "This option is "cheaper" than the alternative because it includes free shipping."

Common error

Avoid using "cheaper" without providing context. Saying "This is "cheaper"" without indicating what it's "cheaper" than can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

Comparative adjective. "Cheaper" functions primarily to compare the cost or price of two or more items, services, or options. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from travel and energy to consumer goods and labor costs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Business

7%

Lifestyle

2%

Less common in

Travel

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "cheaper" functions as a comparative adjective used to indicate a lower cost relative to another option. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields like news, business and lifestyle. When using "cheaper", provide context to avoid ambiguity, and consider factors beyond just price. For example, you might focus on long-term cost effectiveness or value, instead of simply stating something is "cheaper". Alternatives include "more affordable" or "less expensive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Less expensive

A direct synonym, focusing on the lower monetary value compared to something else.

Lower-priced

Highlights the price point as being reduced, suitable for product or service comparisons.

More affordable

Emphasizes accessibility in terms of cost, suggesting something is within a reasonable price range.

More economical

Suggests efficient use of resources, including money, making it a thrifty choice.

Cost-effective

Indicates a good value for the money, where the benefits outweigh the expenses.

Budget-friendly

Appeals to those looking for options that fit within a specific spending limit.

Competitively priced

Implies that the cost is advantageous compared to similar offerings in the market.

Discounted

Directly indicates a reduction from the original or standard price.

Reduced in price

A straightforward way of saying the price has been lowered.

On sale

Commonly used to denote a temporary price reduction, often for promotional purposes.

FAQs

How do I use "cheaper" in a sentence?

Use "cheaper" to compare the cost of two or more items or services. For example: "Flying economy class is "cheaper" than flying business class."

What are some synonyms for "cheaper"?

Alternatives to "cheaper" include "more affordable", "less expensive", or "lower-priced". Choose the synonym that best fits the context.

Is it always better to choose the "cheaper" option?

Not necessarily. Consider factors beyond price, such as quality, durability, and features. Sometimes, paying more upfront for a higher-quality product can be "more cost effective" in the long run.

What's the difference between "cheaper" and "more affordable"?

"Cheaper" simply means less expensive, while "more affordable" implies that something is within a person's budget or means. Something can be "cheaper" than another item, but still not be "more affordable" for a particular individual.