excessively expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessively expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that the price of something is too high. For example: "The new phone was excessively expensive, so I decided not to buy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Many existing options, he added, are not excessively expensive compared with the total health care budget.

Cornell University

In practice, however, it does little to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and makes energy production excessively expensive.

The New York Times

For as long as it is his A.C. Milan — and perhaps longer — the sense of excessively expensive grandeur will attach to it.

The New York Times - Sports

"By any normal criteria this deal looks excessively expensive," said Gary Ford, an analyst with Southeast Research Partners, a Florida stockbroker.

The Economist

Interested in a red Burgundy, I ordered one for $69, well below the average for bottles on Bobo's excessively expensive wine list.

The New York Times - Food

"There are many cases of unnecessary or excessively expensive products being sold to car rental customers," said Thomas Dickerson, author of "Travel Law" (Law Journal Press, 2004).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Critics have derided the initiative as overly ambitious, too expensive and excessively lenient in the conditions it places on the developing countries that want to receive aid.

The New York Times

"So not excessively excessive.

The New York Times

If these tests are not undertaken correctly, incorrect data sets, insufficient data sets or excessively complex and expensive experiments may be performed.

Energy Procedia

The text reads: "Standard technologies such as CNC or carbon moulding would be excessively long and expensive to produce this particular shape, so we use an additive manufacturing method also known as 3D printing to manufacture a titanium handlebar.

The Guardian - Sport

As a response to the perception that JAR pilot licensing standards are excessively bureaucratic and expensive for the purposes of recreational pilots, the National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) was introduced in 2002.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excessively expensive", ensure the context clearly establishes a comparison point. What makes it excessive? Is it compared to similar products, the perceived value, or the budget?

Common error

While grammatically correct, "excessively expensive" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "too expensive" or "overpriced" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessively expensive" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating that its cost is beyond reasonable limits. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excessively expensive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something's price surpasses reasonable or acceptable limits. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for use in various writing contexts, though it leans toward formality. Its primary function is to express disapproval regarding unjustifiably high costs. While you can use "excessively expensive" in your writings, you can also consider alternatives such as "prohibitively priced", "overpriced", or "unreasonably costly" to add variety or adjust the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too expensive

The most basic and straightforward way of expressing that something costs more than one is willing to pay.

overpriced

A more common and direct way of saying something costs more than it should.

prohibitively priced

Focuses on the deterrent effect of the high price, making it impossible for many to afford.

exorbitantly priced

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the price.

unreasonably costly

Highlights the lack of justification for the high price.

unduly expensive

Similar to unreasonably costly, but with a slightly more formal tone.

astronomically expensive

Implies an extremely high and almost unbelievable price.

rip-off

Suggests that the price is not only high but also dishonest or exploitative.

outrageously expensive

Similar to criminally expensive, but slightly less extreme.

criminally expensive

An hyperbolic way to point that the price is very high and unacceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "excessively expensive" to describe something that costs much more than it should. For example, "The repairs were "excessively expensive", so I decided to sell the car."

What are some alternatives to saying "excessively expensive"?

Alternatives include "overpriced", "prohibitively priced", or "unreasonably costly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "excessively expensive"?

While "expensive" already implies a high cost, "excessively expensive" emphasizes that the cost is beyond what is reasonable or justifiable, adding a layer of intensity.

Which is more formal, "excessively expensive" or "too expensive"?

"Excessively expensive" is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts, while "too expensive" is more common in everyday conversation.