expensive item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expensive item" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a product or object that has a high cost. For example, "The watch he bought was an expensive item." Alternative expressions include "high-priced product" and "costly object."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her most expensive item?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His most expensive item is a fake fur coat ($250).

The New York Times

In that catalogue, they're the most expensive item for sale.

The New Yorker

The most expensive item is Justice Pecoar, $1985.

The New Yorker

The most expensive item: a $5 million diamond-studded bracelet.

The New York Times

The dredging plant is an expensive item of waterway maintenance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's £17.50, the most expensive item, but oh, it's great.

Independent

"The most expensive item was the pushchair – a Strawberry i-Candy.

The Guardian - Money

The most expensive item on the menu, at $11.95, is the van Gogh Shrimp.

The New York Times

For the hostess, it an expensive item, and means buying new napkins because of the stains.

The New Yorker

There will be one expensive item: the espresso, unfortunate because it tastes of mud.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In commercial or retail writing, consider using "high-ticket item" to sound more industry-specific.

Common error

Avoid redundant phrasing such as "high-priced expensive item" or "costly expensive item". Additionally, remember that "expensive" is relative; ensure the context clarifies what the price is being compared to, such as a budget or other items in the same catalog.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive item" functions as a noun phrase consisting of a descriptive adjective followed by a count noun. In sentences found in Ludwig, it often serves as a predicate nominative or the direct object of a verb involving acquisition or valuation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A comprehensive analysis of Ludwig's 58 high-quality examples reveals that "expensive item" is a versatile and standard English phrase used to denote high cost across nearly every major domain. Whether discussing a "$5 million diamond-studded bracelet" in The New York Times or the "dredging plant" as an expensive part of waterway maintenance in Britannica, the phrase serves as a reliable anchor for financial comparison. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical structure is sound and its usage is universally accepted in both professional and casual registers. Writers should feel confident using it to provide clarity in any context involving pricing or valuation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costly object

More emphasis on the financial burden or sacrifice required to obtain the item.

high-ticket item

Common in retail and business contexts to describe goods with high retail prices.

big-ticket purchase

Informal business slang for significant financial outlays like cars or appliances.

pricey acquisition

Adds a formal tone, often used when referring to the process of obtaining or buying something.

luxury purchase

Implies the item is not just expensive but also non-essential and high-status.

premium product

Suggests higher quality or brand prestige alongside the high cost.

high-value asset

Focuses on the worth or long-term value of the item, often used in finance.

valuable possession

Focuses on the personal or intrinsic importance rather than just the price tag.

extravagant buy

Implies that the cost might be excessive or perhaps unnecessary.

dear commodity

A more traditional or British nuance, suggesting scarcity or high market value.

FAQs

How to use "expensive item" in a sentence?

You can use it to highlight the costliest part of a set, for example: "The most "expensive item" on the menu was the lobster."

What can I say instead of "expensive item"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "costly object", "high-priced product", or "pricey article".

What is the difference between an "expensive item" and a "luxury item"?

While an "expensive item" simply costs a lot of money, a "luxury item" specifically implies prestige, high quality, and a lack of necessity.

Which is more formal: "expensive item" or "pricey item"?

The phrase "expensive item" is more neutral and suitable for formal writing, whereas "pricey item" is slightly more informal and colloquial.