expensive purchase

USAGE SUMMARY

'expensive purchase' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a costly item, usually one that required careful consideration before buying. For example, "The new car was an expensive purchase, but we knew it would last us for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"If teams don't race they are at a huge disadvantage as regards a potential purchaser making a very expensive purchase decision and this project gives the team the ability to showcase itself and especially its cars".

BBC

"It's a very expensive purchase -- it's not something you buy from a picture".

The New York Times

In 1999, Daniel Snyder bought the franchise for $800 million, the most expensive purchase in sports history.

The New York Times - Sports

Travel is an emotional and expensive purchase, and social is fulfilling the consumer's need to dispel the unknown.

The Guardian - Tech

Even though it was an expensive purchase, she didn't feel that she was making a commitment to the city.

The New Yorker

It would have made it Facebook's most expensive purchase to date, dwarfing last year's $1bn acquisition of the photo-sharing social network Instagram.

Independent

His most expensive purchase so far was a 1924 night scene of cupids throwing stars, which cost $15,600 at Swann Auction Galleries in 2007.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But expensive purchases are still nerve-wracking.

The New York Times

The recession has quickly reversed the trend to trade up, and people are delaying expensive purchases.

The Economist

On his various accounts there are frequent shots of stacks of money, and of expensive purchases.

The New York Times - Arts

They lure cruise passengers into making expensive purchases of diamonds and art from companies that offer dubious money-back guarantees.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a purchase, consider whether "expensive" accurately reflects the item's value or if terms like "premium" or "investment" are more appropriate.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid repetitive use of "expensive purchase". Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant investment" or "costly acquisition" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a wider vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive purchase" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "expensive" modifies the noun "purchase". It is used to describe a transaction or acquisition that involves a significant financial cost. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expensive purchase" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a costly item or acquisition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It serves to highlight the significant financial cost involved and is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and general discussions. When using the phrase, consider whether "expensive" is the most accurate descriptor or if alternatives like "premium purchase" or "significant investment" might be more appropriate. Avoid overuse in formal writing by varying your vocabulary. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, ensure the context aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costly acquisition

Focuses on the cost aspect of obtaining something.

high-priced item

Emphasizes the elevated price of the goods.

significant investment

Highlights the investment aspect and potential return rather than just the expense.

major expenditure

Stresses the amount of money spent.

large outlay

Focuses on the financial resources expended.

considerable expense

Underlines the noteworthiness of the expense.

premium purchase

Implies a high-quality item bought at a high price.

substantial acquisition

Highlights the significance and scale of acquiring something.

sizeable investment

Stresses the magnitude of the funds committed.

dear buy

An informal way of saying an expensive purchase.

FAQs

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

You can use "expensive purchase" to describe a costly item or acquisition, as in "The new equipment was an "expensive purchase" for the company, but it improved efficiency".

What can I say instead of "expensive purchase"?

You can use alternatives like "costly acquisition", "significant investment", or "major expenditure" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "expensive purchase" or "costly purchase"?

Both "expensive purchase" and "costly purchase" are correct and generally interchangeable, though "expensive" is slightly more common.

When is it appropriate to describe something as an "expensive purchase"?

It's appropriate to use "expensive purchase" when you want to emphasize the high cost of an item and the financial consideration involved in its acquisition.