fairly cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

"fairly cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something as being inexpensive and reasonably priced. For example, you could say "This laptop was fairly cheap, so I decided to buy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fairly cheap.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is fairly cheap.

The Economist

Happiness seems fairly cheap to manipulate.

The New York Times

It's fairly cheap entertainment, it's classic escapism.

The Guardian - Tech

On the other hand, hotel rates remain fairly cheap.

The New York Times

You can even get a fairly cheap one.

The New York Times - Science

You can insure items with standalone gadget insurance, which can be fairly cheap.

Independent

What was once a fairly cheap addiction could result in you spending £100's a week".

Independent

Each iteration is fairly cheap and fundamentally different from the others.

The New Yorker

Yet it is still a fairly cheap place in which to live and work.

The Guardian

It's also fairly cheap, because of the relatively simple infrastructure required.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the price of a product or service, use "fairly cheap" to indicate it's more affordable than expected, but not necessarily the absolute lowest price.

Common error

In formal or professional writing, consider using more precise terms like "reasonably priced" or "economical" instead of "fairly cheap" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly cheap" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a degree of inexpensiveness. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly cheap" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something as being reasonably inexpensive. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. While suitable for many contexts, including news and media, and general writing, it's best to opt for more formal alternatives like "reasonably priced" or "economical" in professional or scientific settings. Its primary function is to modify nouns, expressing that the cost is lower than anticipated. Be sure to use "fairly cheap" to provide color to your writing and avoid overusing it in contexts that demand a more refined style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasonably priced

Focuses on the fairness and justification of the price.

Inexpensive

A general term for not expensive.

Affordable

Highlights the accessibility of the item due to its price.

Moderately priced

Suggests a price that is neither high nor extremely low.

Comparatively inexpensive

Emphasizes a comparison to other similar items or options.

Low-cost

Directly states that the cost is low.

Economical

Highlights the cost-effectiveness and value for money.

Bargain-priced

Indicates that the item is being sold at a price lower than its perceived value.

Easy on the wallet

An informal way of saying it doesn't cost much.

Worth the money

Implies that the price is justified by the value received.

FAQs

What does "fairly cheap" mean?

The phrase "fairly cheap" means something is reasonably low in price, more affordable than expected, but not necessarily the cheapest option available.

What can I say instead of "fairly cheap"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonably priced", "moderately priced", or "affordable" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fairly cheap" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fairly cheap" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more professional alternatives such as "comparatively inexpensive" or "economical".

How can I use "fairly cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly cheap" to describe items or services that are not very expensive. For example: "The hotel was "fairly cheap", so we decided to stay an extra night."