expensive subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expensive subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or issue that requires a significant financial investment or is costly to discuss or explore. Example: "The debate on climate change is an expensive subject, as it involves extensive research and funding for solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

At that time chocolate was still relatively new to England and extremely expensive, subject like sugar to high import duties.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The need for laboratory work and the requirement for a range of practical training makes archaeology an expensive subject to teach.

The Guardian

Cons: very expensive, subject to image burn-in, fading over time.

Forbes

Not so much because there might be (and often is) pain and suffering involved but because capital punishment is flawed, expensive, subject to manipulation, applied disproportionately to minorities, not an effective deterrent and, at the end of the day, irreversible.

Los Angeles Times

They provide accurate and reliable records of dosage but are expensive, subject to malfunction and cannot confirm ingestion [ 10].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Early radioimmunoassays were time-consuming (and therefore expensive), subject to interference and often imprecise [ 4, 21, 22].

Diabetic Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They are also, unfortunately, some of the most expensive subjects to teach.

The New York Times

They are worried that the new setup will divert cash from classrooms, limit the availability of "expensive" subjects such as music and science and end the public service vocation of teachers.

Independent

She predicted that expensive subjects and facilities such as science labs "will simply not be available", adding: "Parents will be aghast that their children could soon be taught by unqualified teachers in schools where the central driver is profit".

Independent

That surprising conclusion is one which the authorities in countries such as Britain, who are seeking to concentrate expensive subjects such as physics in fewer, more elite institutions partly to save money, but also to create what are seen as centres of excellence might wish to consider.

The Economist

All the other things the university puts its money into - the library, accommodation, student union - is that enough of a deal for those that are cross subsidising the more expensive subjects?" But it's a fine line – research suggests that most students believe teaching should be prioritised above buildings and social facilities when it comes to saving money.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expensive subject", be clear about what makes it expensive. Is it the cost of research, materials, training or something else? Provide context to clarify the financial burden.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a subject is "expensive" without specifying why. This lacks informative value. Instead, elaborate on the specific cost drivers, such as equipment, personnel, or infrastructure. For example, instead of "nuclear physics is an expensive subject", say "nuclear physics is an expensive subject due to the advanced equipment required for experimentation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive subject" primarily functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "expensive" modifies the noun "subject". This denotes that the subject under discussion is costly, requiring significant financial resources or investment. This is reinforced by Ludwig's analysis, which identifies it as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expensive subject" is a grammatically sound and widely understandable expression used to denote a topic, field of study, or area of activity that requires significant financial resources. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, signifying its versatility. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to specify why a subject is expensive to provide clearer understanding. Alternative phrases such as "costly topic" or "high-cost subject" can be used to add variety to your writing. While not exceedingly frequent, "expensive subject" serves as a useful descriptor when highlighting the financial implications of a particular subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costly topic

Replaces "expensive" with "costly", maintaining the focus on financial burden.

high-cost subject

Uses "high-cost" as a direct synonym for "expensive", emphasizing the financial aspect.

resource-intensive subject

Shifts the focus to the resources required, rather than purely monetary cost.

financially demanding subject

Highlights the financial strain associated with the subject.

pricey topic

Employs a more informal synonym for "expensive".

subject requiring significant funding

Specifies that substantial financial support is needed.

subject with high overhead

Focuses on the operational costs associated with the subject.

unaffordable topic

Implies that the subject is beyond financial reach.

subject draining resources

Highlights the depletion of resources caused by the subject.

cost-prohibitive topic

Indicates that the cost is a barrier to engaging with the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "expensive subject" to describe a topic that requires significant financial investment, such as "Archaeology is an "expensive subject" to teach due to laboratory work and practical training."

What are some alternatives to "expensive subject"?

Alternatives to "expensive subject" include "costly topic", "high-cost subject", or "financially demanding subject". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "expensive subject" or "costly subject"?

Both "expensive subject" and "costly subject" are grammatically correct. "Costly" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. Choose the one that fits the tone of your writing best.

What makes a subject an "expensive subject"?

A subject might be an "expensive subject" because it requires specialized equipment, extensive research, highly trained personnel, or a combination of these factors. The costs can relate to tuition, research funding, or infrastructure.