could be expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential costs or expenses related to a product, service, or situation. Example: "While the new software offers many features, it could be expensive to implement across the entire organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems like that could be expensive, but I imagine you've found it's worth the expense?

Forbes

Still, Centene could be expensive.

The New York Times

That could be expensive.

The Washington Post

Someone said, "It could be expensive".

The New York Times - Magazine

That could be expensive, however.

MIT Technology Review

"A Jetsetter habit could be expensive," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

But wriggling out of the booking could be expensive.

The Guardian - Travel

In addition to being inefficient, the system could be expensive.

MIT Technology Review

But the deal could be expensive for Aon.

The New York Times

That could be expensive, and not necessarily available to all.

The Guardian

On the other hand, working with low-income kiosk distributors could be expensive and time-consuming.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be expensive", consider quantifying the potential costs to provide more context. For example, "Implementing this new system could be expensive, potentially costing upwards of $10,000."

Common error

Avoid using "could be expensive" as a vague warning without providing any supporting reasons or alternative solutions. Instead, offer concrete reasons why it might be costly or suggest cost-effective alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be expensive" functions as a qualifying statement about potential costs. It introduces the possibility of high expenses, acting as a warning or a factor to consider in decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be expensive" is a prevalent phrase employed to signal potential high costs across various domains. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best used with specific justifications or alternatives for clarity. Related phrases include "might be costly" and "may incur high costs". When writing, avoid vague warnings and support your statement with concrete reasons. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "could be expensive" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be costly

Focuses on the potential for high cost, similar to the original phrase but using different vocabulary.

could become pricey

Indicates a potential increase in price over time.

may prove dear

Emphasizes the potential high value or cost in a slightly more formal tone.

may incur high costs

More formal, suggesting that substantial expenses might be involved.

can be unaffordable

Highlights the possibility of being beyond one's financial reach.

could run up a large bill

Suggests the accumulation of expenses leading to a high total cost.

can strain the budget

Highlights the potential for the cost to negatively impact financial planning.

can get extravagant

Suggests the cost might escalate beyond what is necessary or reasonable.

may represent a major investment

Focuses on the significant financial commitment involved.

might break the bank

Informal, implying that the cost could deplete one's financial resources.

FAQs

What does "could be expensive" mean?

The phrase "could be expensive" means that something has the potential to cost a lot of money. The exact amount is unspecified, but the implication is that the cost may be significant.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could be expensive"?

It's appropriate to use "could be expensive" when discussing potential costs associated with a project, purchase, or decision. For example, "Renovating the kitchen "could be expensive", depending on the materials we choose."

What are some alternatives to saying "could be expensive"?

Alternatives include "might be costly", "may incur high costs", or "can be unaffordable", depending on the context and level of formality.

How can I make the phrase "could be expensive" more specific?

To be more specific, you can add details about why something "could be expensive". For example, "Hiring a professional consultant "could be expensive" due to their hourly rates and travel costs."