dirt cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

"dirt cheap" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very inexpensive. For example, "The items at this store are dirt cheap!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Dirt cheap.

The Guardian

Start-Up: Dirt Cheap?

The New York Times

Don't be dirt cheap.

The New York Times

And it's relatively dirt cheap".

The New York Times

Even in 1999, that was dirt cheap.

The New York Times

Basic phones are dirt cheap or free.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Dirt-cheap Japan surplus ceramics.

The Guardian

And they were dirt-cheap.

The Guardian - Music

So besides being easy, social engineering can be dirt-cheap.

No Tech Hacking A Guide to Social Engineering, Dumpster Diving, and Shoulder Surfing

Dirt-cheap content, in other words.

TechCrunch

That doesn't necessarily mean valuations are dirt-cheap.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the unexpectedly low price of something, "dirt cheap" is effective. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "extremely inexpensive".

Common error

Avoid using "dirt cheap" in formal writing. While it's widely understood, it can come across as unprofessional. Choose more formal alternatives like "very affordable" or "economical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirt cheap" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to describe nouns. Ludwig AI confirms it is commonly used. It indicates that something is extremely inexpensive or available at a very low cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirt cheap" is a common and informal way to describe something that is extremely inexpensive. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is valid and provides multiple examples from various sources, particularly in News & Media and Technology contexts. While grammatically correct, its informality may make it unsuitable for formal or professional writing. When in doubt, consider more formal alternatives like "very affordable" or "extremely inexpensive". It’s best to avoid this phrase in scientific or academic papers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very affordable

Emphasizes the ease of purchasing due to low cost.

remarkably cheap

Highlights the unexpected nature of the low price.

budget-friendly

Suggests the item is suitable for those with limited financial resources.

extremely inexpensive

Replaces idiomatic language with a more formal expression.

economical

Focuses on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the purchase.

at a bargain price

Focuses on the advantageous deal being offered.

available at rock bottom prices

Emphasizes that the prices are as low as they can possibly be.

going for a song

Uses another idiom to convey extreme cheapness.

cheap as chips

Uses a British idiom to convey extreme cheapness.

priced to sell

Highlights the seller's intention to quickly move the product due to its low price.

FAQs

How can I use "dirt cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "dirt cheap" to describe items or services that are very inexpensive. For example: "The basic phones are dirt cheap or free" or "Registering a firm takes three days and is dirt cheap".

What's a more formal way to say "dirt cheap"?

For formal writing, consider using phrases like "extremely inexpensive", "very affordable", or "economical".

Is it appropriate to use "dirt cheap" in business writing?

While understandable, "dirt cheap" might be too informal for certain business contexts. Opt for "budget-friendly" or "cost-effective" in professional communications.

What's the difference between "dirt cheap" and "cheap"?

"Dirt cheap" emphasizes a price that is exceptionally low, even lower than what might be considered simply "cheap". It implies an almost unbelievable bargain.