comparatively expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the cost of one item or service to another, indicating that it is more costly in relation to the other. Example: "While the basic model is affordable, the premium version is comparatively expensive, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pressuremeter Test (PMT) is comparatively expensive and takes more time to execute compared to Cone Penetration Test (CPT).

Construction and Building Materials

As a result, these policies are comparatively expensive.

The New York Times

It's a comparatively expensive resort but has two sheltered beaches.

The Guardian - Travel

Or, paraphrased, "comparatively rich people buy comparatively expensive stuff".

The Guardian - Tech

Pfeffer was using a comparatively expensive kinematograph adapted specifically for his experiments.

Columbia University

Though broadband connections are increasingly common in America, service is comparatively expensive and coverage spotty.

The New York Times

Both are small, niche operations, however, and it does make the resulting food comparatively expensive.

Independent

The preconditoner is comparatively expensive and convergence is slow unless time-subdomains are short.

Journal of Computational Physics

The 500-gram items are comparatively expensive, costing from $30 to $80, and often sold in a case of four.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Canada, where until very recently phone companies did not offer unlimited text-messaging plans, texting was comparatively expensive.

The New York Times

Because it has to be carried out comprehensively in a particular area in order to be effective, and this can be both technically demanding and comparatively expensive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparatively expensive", ensure you have established a clear basis for comparison. State what it is more expensive than to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively expensive" without specifying what the item is expensive compared to. This can leave the reader confused about the scale or relevance of the cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively expensive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the relative cost of something in relation to another item, service, or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comparatively expensive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes the relative cost of an item or service. Appearing most often in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, it serves to provide context by comparing the cost to something else. For clarity, always specify what the item is expensive compared to, and consider alternatives like "relatively costly" or "more pricey in comparison" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively costly

Focuses on the cost in relation to a standard or expectation, simpler phrasing.

more pricey in comparison

Highlights the comparison aspect directly, using a more informal term for cost.

proportionately dearer

Emphasizes the proportional increase in price, using a slightly archaic term.

correspondingly higher in price

Indicates a direct relationship between two items and their prices.

somewhat more costly

Uses milder terms to indicate a slight difference in price.

marginally more expensive

Indicates a small difference in price, emphasizing the slight increase.

relatively high-priced

Highlights the high price in relation to other items in its category.

by comparison, costlier

Explicitly frames the price difference as a result of a comparison, more concise.

in comparison, more valuable

Focuses on relative value rather than direct price, implying increased expense.

on the higher end

Informal way of indicating higher price point within a range of options.

FAQs

How can I use "comparatively expensive" in a sentence?

Use "comparatively expensive" to show that something costs more than something else. For example: "While the basic model is affordable, the premium version is "comparatively expensive".

What can I say instead of "comparatively expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "relatively costly", "more pricey in comparison", or "proportionately dearer" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "comparatively expensive" or "relatively expensive"?

Both "comparatively expensive" and "relatively expensive" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Comparatively expensive" highlights a direct comparison, while "relatively expensive" indicates a general higher cost in relation to a standard.

What's the difference between "comparatively expensive" and "disproportionately expensive"?

"Comparatively expensive" simply means more expensive than something else. "Disproportionately expensive" implies that the cost is excessive in relation to the value, benefits, or other relevant factors. For example, something could be "comparatively expensive" but worth the cost, but something that is "disproportionately expensive" likely isn't.