for a dollar and a half

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a dollar and a half" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a price or cost of something that is one dollar and fifty cents. Example: "I bought this book for a dollar and a half at the thrift store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He retouches signs for a dollar and a half.

The New Yorker

It's, like, one of the best things you can buy in this city for a dollar and a half".

The New Yorker

Firms paid agents to stay in their hotels, sometimes incognito, to check these rules were met.In the early 20th century Ellsworth Statler, an American entrepreneur, was the first person to codify the operation of a hotel group, using the motto "a room and a bath for a dollar and a half".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Each sitter receives a dollar and a half for his service.

The New Yorker

This is a dollar and a half more than I paid for my rascasse.

The New Yorker

Even after adjusting for inflation, that's a two-and-a-half billion dollar increase.

Huffington Post

Rates are 62.70 Canadian dollars for an hour and a half and 79.80 Canadian dollars for three hours.

The New York Times - Travel

"We bought a paper company for a million and a half dollars".

The New Yorker

"I wouldn't sell this company for a billion and a half dollars," he said.

TechCrunch

A paper dollar lasts about a year and a half; a dollar coin for 30 years.

Huffington Post

The evening raised over a million and a half dollars for People For The American Way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing amounts, consider your audience. In formal writing, "one dollar and fifty cents" or "$1.50" is preferable. In informal settings, "a dollar and a half" or "a buck and a half" can add character.

Common error

While "a dollar and a half" is widely understood, using highly localized slang for currency amounts can confuse readers unfamiliar with those terms. Stick to standard expressions unless you're certain your audience will understand the slang.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a dollar and a half" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase specifying the price or cost associated with something. It modifies a verb or noun by providing information about the monetary value involved. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in describing the cost of services, goods, or compensation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a dollar and a half" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to express a price of $1.50. While Ludwig AI indicates its usage is considered correct, the frequency is rare. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its register leans towards neutral to informal, making it suitable for descriptive and narrative writing. In professional settings, using the numerical representation “$1.50” is preferable for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One dollar and fifty cents

Replaces the more verbose expression with a numerical equivalent.

$1.50

Uses standard currency notation for brevity and clarity.

A buck and a half

Employs slang for "dollar", adding informality.

One and a half dollars

Reorders the phrase while retaining the exact numerical value.

A dollar fifty

Omission of the "and a half" part, while keeping the same meaning.

An investment of $1.50

Frames the amount as an investment, implying a return or value.

A payment of $1.50

Specifies the sum as a payment, suitable in transactional contexts.

Costing $1.50

Highlights the expense associated with something.

Priced at $1.50

Indicates the set price of an item or service.

For less than two dollars

Sets an upper bound of two dollars while alluding to a price point.

FAQs

What is another way to say "for a dollar and a half"?

You could say "one dollar and fifty cents" or use the numerical representation "$1.50" depending on the context and formality.

Is it correct to say "a buck and a half" instead of "for a dollar and a half"?

"A buck and a half" is an informal way to say "for a dollar and a half". It is appropriate in casual conversation but less so in formal writing.

When should I use "for a dollar and a half" versus "$1.50"?

Use "$1.50" in situations where conciseness and clarity are paramount, such as in financial reports or price lists. "For a dollar and a half" is suitable for more descriptive or narrative writing.

Are there any regional variations in how people express "for a dollar and a half"?

Yes, while the phrase itself is widely understood, some regions might have their own slang terms for amounts of money. However, "for a dollar and a half" is generally considered standard English.