costly items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "costly items" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to items that are expensive or have a high price. For example, "The store specializes in selling costly items such as designer handbags." Alternative expressions include "expensive goods" and "high-priced products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This MV Agusta does share some qualities of those costly items.

The New York Times

Home buying has related economic benefits, spurring purchases of costly items like furniture and appliances.

The New York Times

Lightships are costly items to operate and to maintain and are therefore prime candidates for automation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The transportation sector can swing widely because it includes costly items like airplanes, ships and military equipment.

The New York Times

The transportation sector swings widely from month to month because it includes costly items like airplanes and ships.

The New York Times

Women are spending more online now than at any time since the advent of e-commerce, and costly items like clothing, travel and cosmetics top their shopping lists.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Tulips were introduced into Europe from Turkey shortly after 1550, and the delicately formed, vividly coloured flowers became a popular if costly item.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since an antenna tower -- the most costly item for a high-power radio station -- is not required for broadcasting at 10 or 100 watts, the new stations can be established for as little as $1,000 each.

The New York Times

A London-based operation that is building a fleet of 10 yachts, YachtPlus is the latest company to jump into fractionals, a shared-ownership structure that allows people to buy only part of a costly item.

The New York Times

New York also provides a large menu of "optional benefits," including prescription drugs, dental and vision care, and, a particularly costly item, long-term care in nursing homes, community-based facilities and at home.

The New York Times

With the pre-setting pressure, the application can decrease the element thickness or the fibre proportion use, which is the most costly item.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing consumer spending, consider using "costly items" to highlight how economic factors influence purchasing decisions.

Common error

While "costly items" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "expensive things" or "pricey stuff" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "costly items" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies specific objects that are considered expensive, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "costly items" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to expensive or high-value goods. Ludwig AI confirms this with a positive assessment. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. Alternatives such as "expensive goods" or "high-priced products" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. It's most effective when discussing economic trends, consumer behavior, or luxury markets, and should be used judiciously in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expensive goods

Focuses on the expense of the items, using a more general term.

high-priced products

More formal, emphasizing the market value of the items.

premium articles

Suggests items of superior quality that command a high price.

valuable possessions

Highlights the worth, not necessarily monetary, of the items.

luxury commodities

Emphasizes the luxurious nature and high cost of the items.

upscale merchandise

Focuses on the high-end nature of the goods.

dear objects

A more archaic term, emphasizing the high cost or preciousness.

pricy acquisitions

Highlights the expense of acquiring the items.

top-tier wares

Suggests the items are among the best and most expensive available.

precious things

Emphasizes rarity and value.

FAQs

What are some examples of "costly items"?

Examples of "costly items" include luxury cars, designer clothing, high-end electronics, and fine jewelry.

What can I say instead of "costly items"?

You can use alternatives like "expensive goods", "high-priced products", or "premium articles" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "costly items"?

The phrase "costly items" is appropriate in formal writing, business reports, news articles, and academic papers when discussing expensive or high-value goods.

Is "costly items" formal or informal?

The phrase "costly items" leans towards the formal side, suitable for professional or academic contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferable.