expensive price

USAGE SUMMARY

"expensive price" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You could use it to refer to a high cost, for example: "The store sold the item at an expensive price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Expensive price tags on animal models and associated expenses indicate that animal research is a costly component in the drug discovery process, and which is further increased by high levels of customisation according to the field studied.

BMC Medical Ethics

That's a very expensive price to pay".

The Guardian - Business

The kits can cost $200 per device, an expensive price to eliminate cables.

The New York Times

Now the two sides have to agree on the price tag, the very expensive price tag.

The New York Times - Sports

How does one reconcile the relatively expensive price of perfect tomatoes and/or perfect clothing?

The New York Times

"The Israelis began this tension and they must pay an expensive price.

The Guardian

They loved the pattern and color they found at luxury textile brands but couldn't justify the expensive price points.

Columbia University

More of the same at a more expensive price is going to be a tough sell.

The Guardian - Sport

These days, a degree is merely the expensive price of admission.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Thailand, for example, donated 5,000 tonnes of rice from government stockpiles swollen by an expensive price-support scheme.

The Economist

With the S.& P. already expensive, price-to-earnings ratios will probably not expand further, so stocks will rise only as quickly as profits, Mr. Wieting said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the burden of a high cost, consider using more evocative alternatives like "hefty price tag" or "prohibitive cost" instead of the more neutral "expensive price".

Common error

Avoid using "expensive price" when "high price" suffices; the word "expensive" already implies a high cost, making "price" somewhat redundant. Consider alternatives to reduce wordiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive price" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a high monetary value or cost. According to Ludwig, it's a correct expression, although it can sometimes be considered slightly redundant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expensive price" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a high cost. Although Ludwig indicates it's correct, the analysis suggests that it can sometimes be slightly redundant, with "high price" often serving as a more concise alternative. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific research, indicating broad applicability. For more impactful writing, consider leveraging alternatives such as "hefty price tag" or "prohibitive cost" to better convey the specific nuances of the expense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high price

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used substitute, focusing solely on the elevated cost.

premium price

This suggests a higher price due to superior quality or exclusivity.

hefty price tag

This phrase emphasizes the significant financial burden associated with the cost.

considerable cost

This alternative highlights the substantial amount of money involved.

exorbitant cost

This implies that the price is excessively high and unreasonable.

prohibitive cost

This suggests that the cost is so high that it prevents someone from purchasing it.

steep price

This alternative conveys that the price is surprisingly or unexpectedly high.

inflated price

This indicates that the price has been artificially increased, often unfairly.

overpriced item

This alternative focuses on the item itself being valued higher than its actual worth.

costly affair

This phrase shifts the focus to an event or activity that involves significant expenses.

FAQs

Is "expensive price" redundant?

While grammatically correct, "expensive price" can be considered somewhat redundant as "expensive" already implies a high price. Consider using simply "high price" or alternatives like "premium price" or "hefty price tag".

What are some alternatives to "expensive price" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "considerable cost", "prohibitive cost", or "exorbitant cost" to convey a high cost with greater precision and impact.

How can I emphasize the negative impact of an "expensive price"?

To emphasize the negative impact, use phrases like "steep price" (unexpectedly high), "inflated price" (unfairly high), or "costly affair" (implying broader implications).

Which is better, "expensive price" or "high price"?

"High price" is generally preferred as it is more concise and avoids the slight redundancy of "expensive price". Both are acceptable, but "high price" is often clearer and more direct.