for pretty cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for pretty cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the affordability of an item or service, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I found this amazing jacket for pretty cheap at the thrift store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

So the PC makers think they can tempt people by selling notebooks that are pretty thin and pretty light for pretty cheap.

The New York Times

You can get in on the ports for pretty cheap if you support the Kickstarter.

TechCrunch

Price: Starts at $599 In-store date: Q2 2008 Site: www.hannsg.com Why it's cool: Ginormous monitors for pretty cheap.

TechCrunch

The biggest downside here is pricing — $30 doesn't seem like much, but you can grab a pair of wired headphones for pretty cheap these days.

TechCrunch

If there's one thing about camera mounts, it's that standard run-of-the-mill tripods can be found for pretty cheap but once you take a step into the elaborate realm of steadicams or any other professional mounts that do more than just set the camera at a certain level, prices can get quite high.

TechCrunch

Fortunately, another drug you can get your hands on for pretty cheap, provided you have an ADD diagnosis, also tells your body to produce dopamine and norepinephrine: amphetamine.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A cute cover, a two-year insurance plan, and an ad-free experience for a pretty cheap price make this a great pick for cute little bookworms.

Huffington Post

"I was looking for something pretty cheap to break," Gagne said.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of the work in the show, organized by the independent curator Dean Daderko, is for sale, and pretty cheap.

The New York Times - Arts

Or you can get a Firewire card for your Peecee pretty cheap.

TechCrunch

But wouldn't the corporation get even more and better free publicity if its executive handed Bumgarner a check for $21,000 (which is a pretty cheap donation for a wealthy global corporation, regardless of who it goes to) to contribute to his favorite nonprofit charity?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context is light and relatable. This phrase is less appropriate for formal business reports or academic papers where a more precise and professional tone is required.

Common error

Avoid using "for pretty cheap" in formal writing. Its informal tone can undermine the seriousness of the subject matter. Use more neutral phrases like "at a low cost" or "inexpensively" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for pretty cheap" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the price at which something was acquired. It's used to describe that an item or service was obtained at a low and often surprisingly affordable cost, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for pretty cheap" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something was purchased or obtained at a surprisingly low price. While considered informal, as Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent use in news and media outlets demonstrates its widespread acceptance. It is most suitable for casual conversation or informal writing, whereas formal contexts may require more professional alternatives such as "at a low cost" or "economically".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheaply

A more direct synonym, though it can sometimes imply lower quality.

at a low cost

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the cost aspect, suitable for contexts needing directness.

for a reasonable price

Indicates that the price is fair and justifiable, rather than extremely low.

at a bargain price

Replaces the more conversational "pretty cheap" with a more formal term for a good deal.

at an affordable rate

Uses more formal and business-oriented language, suitable for professional settings.

at a discount

Suggests a reduction from the original price, implying a special offer.

inexpensively

Changes the structure to an adverb, highlighting the manner in which something is obtained.

economically

Similar to "inexpensively", focuses on the economic efficiency of the purchase.

for next to nothing

Emphasizes the extreme cheapness, suggesting it was nearly free.

on a budget

Shifts the focus to the constraint of a budget rather than the item's cheapness.

FAQs

How can I use "for pretty cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "for pretty cheap" to describe something that was purchased at a surprisingly low price. For example: "I found this vintage dress "for pretty cheap" at a thrift store".

What's a more formal way to say "for pretty cheap"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "at a low cost", "at an affordable price", or "inexpensively".

Is it appropriate to use "for pretty cheap" in business writing?

Generally, it's best to avoid "for pretty cheap" in business writing. More professional alternatives include "cost-effective" or "economical".

What does "for pretty cheap" imply about the quality of the item?

While "for pretty cheap" primarily refers to the low price, some might infer that the item is of lower quality. However, this is not always the case; it could simply be a good deal.