cheaper than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheaper than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the cost of one item to another, for instance: a laptop is cheaper than a desktop computer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("It's cheaper than cheese").

The New Yorker

Cheaper than Starbucks.

Independent

"Cheaper than America.

The New Yorker

"It's cheaper than Broadway".

The New York Times

It's cheaper than fake tan.

Independent

Wine was cheaper than milk.

The New York Times - Books

"They're cheaper than imitations".

The New York Times

That's cheaper than gas".

The New York Times

Cheaper than quantitative easing….

The Guardian - Business

It's cheaper than registered.

The New Yorker

"It's cheaper than from the supermarket".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, be specific about what you are comparing. For example, instead of saying "This car is cheaper than another", specify "This used car is cheaper than a new one of the same model".

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on price without considering value. Something "cheaper than" another option might not always be the better choice if it lacks essential features or durability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheaper than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one thing has a lower price or cost compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

13%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cheaper than" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent means of comparing the prices of two things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to highlight a cost advantage. Though versatile, it's crucial to ensure your choice of words aligns with your context and remember that the "cheaper than" option isn't always the best value option. You can use alternatives such as "less expensive than", "more affordable than", or "at a lower cost than" depending on your intent to compare prices directly or to emphasize value and economy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less expensive than

Replaces "cheaper" with a more formal synonym while retaining the comparative structure.

more affordable than

Substitutes "cheaper" with "affordable", emphasizing accessibility in terms of price.

at a lower cost than

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate a price difference.

a better value than

Shifts the focus from pure cost to the value received for the price.

economical compared to

Replaces "cheaper" with "economical", highlighting resourcefulness and efficiency.

costs less relative to

Uses a more formal and analytical expression to indicate a price comparison.

on a budget compared with

Implies being thrifty using alternative and idiomatic expression.

more competitive price than

Highlights the price advantage, often used in a business or marketing context.

under budget relative to

Refers to a certain budget target using alternative and idiomatic expression.

a bargain compared to

Emphasizes the favorable nature of the price, suggesting a significant saving.

FAQs

How do I use "cheaper than" in a sentence?

Use "cheaper than" to compare the prices of two items or services. For example, "Taking the bus is "cheaper than" driving a car".

What are some alternatives to saying "cheaper than"?

You can use phrases like "less expensive than", "more affordable than", or "at a lower cost than" depending on the context.

Is it always better to choose the option that is "cheaper than" another?

Not necessarily. While a lower price is attractive, consider the overall value, quality, and features offered by each option. A slightly more expensive option might be a better investment in the long run.

What is the difference between "cheaper than" and "more economical than"?

While both phrases compare costs, ""cheaper than"" focuses directly on price, whereas "more economical than" implies a broader consideration of resource efficiency and long-term savings.