expensive prices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expensive prices" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the high cost of goods or services, often to emphasize that the prices are higher than expected or reasonable. Example: "The restaurant is known for its gourmet dishes, but many customers are put off by the expensive prices on the menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Wasps also boast the lowest-priced season tickets in the division at £160 (cheapest) and £170 (most expensive), prices lower than some clubs in Scottish League One.

BBC

To him, the N.H.L. is the same product, only at much more expensive prices.

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly, people in expensive clothes driving expensive cars were buying houses at ridiculously expensive prices.

The New York Times

In California, where clean-air rules make gasoline more expensive, prices could approach $2 a gallon.

The New York Times

The Rolling Stones managed to make fans unhappy as they reunited and then set extraordinarily expensive prices for their tickets.

Independent

My colleague Sam Sifton, the Times restaurant critic, reports that Lincoln has some fine dishes at very expensive prices.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 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

They were expensive: priced at $50 or $60 each, which Mr. Turnage suggests would be the equivalent to $200 today.

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

The second, more expensive pricing tier includes Vytorin and Lipitor from Pfizer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "expensive prices" is acceptable, consider using "high prices" for conciseness, especially in formal writing. This avoids potential redundancy.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid using "expensive prices" too often. Opt for synonyms like "high costs" or "elevated rates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive prices" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "expensive" modifies the noun "prices", emphasizing their high cost. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable, though sometimes redundant, expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expensive prices" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for emphasizing high costs. Although Ludwig AI suggests that it can sometimes be considered redundant and recommends alternatives such as "high prices" for conciseness, its widespread presence across varied sources, particularly in news and media contexts, confirms its acceptability. When writing, consider the context to ensure that using "expensive prices" effectively conveys the intended emphasis on cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high prices

Focuses simply on the elevated cost, without the potential redundancy.

costly prices

Emphasizes the high cost or expense involved.

exorbitant prices

Suggests the prices are excessively high and unreasonable.

unreasonable prices

Highlights the lack of justification for the high cost.

inflated prices

Implies that the prices have been artificially increased.

premium prices

Indicates that the high cost is due to superior quality or exclusivity.

steep prices

Emphasizes the sudden or significant increase in cost.

prohibitive prices

Suggests the prices are so high that they prevent purchase.

sky-high prices

Emphasizes the extremely high level of costs involved.

pricey rates

Highlights that the costs are higher than normal.

FAQs

Is the phrase "expensive prices" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "expensive prices" is grammatically correct, although some may consider it slightly redundant. It's commonly used to emphasize the high cost of something.

What are some alternatives to saying "expensive prices"?

You can use alternatives like "high prices", "costly rates", or "exorbitant prices" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "expensive prices"?

It is appropriate to use "expensive prices" when you want to emphasize that the prices are particularly high, possibly higher than expected or acceptable. However, consider more concise alternatives such as "high prices".

What's the difference between "expensive prices" and "high prices"?

While both phrases indicate elevated costs, "expensive prices" can be seen as slightly redundant. "High prices" is a more direct and concise way to express the same idea.