half as expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half as expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the cost of two items, indicating that one item costs 50% less than the other. Example: "This shirt is half as expensive as the one I saw at the boutique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"And it is nearly half as expensive".

The New York Times - Health

But it would be half as expensive.

The New York Times

Cocaine is now half as expensive as it was in 1998, even before accounting for inflation.

The Economist

That would be half as expensive, and much, much more to the point.

The New Yorker

Today, stocks are only about half as expensive, based on their price-to-earnings ratios.

The New York Times

That is expected to keep doctors from switching to a lower dose, which would be only half as expensive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Imagine the havoc they will wreak with the twice-as-fast, half-as-expensive, GPS-enabled, Exchange-supported 3G iPhone that they'll unleash on 22 countries this year.

TechCrunch

The fact that McKinsey -- whose advice can be half again as expensive as that of its peers -- felt compelled to cut prices is a sign of just how tough the environment has become for consultants.

The New York Times

Click here to see graphic Commodity revolution: Resource prices The vital physical ingredients of life – commodities such as iron, wheat, sugar and zinc – are now two and a half times as expensive, on average, as they were at the turn of the century, and that's excluding the impact of inflation.

Independent

But rice is still nearly one-and-a-half times as expensive as it was at the beginning of 2008.

The Economist

Profits at Dixons Carphone plunged by 60% in the first half as people shunned expensive mobile phones and held onto their old handsets for longer.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing prices, use "half as expensive" to clearly communicate that one item's cost is 50% of another. This provides a straightforward and easily understandable comparison for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "half as expensive" when you mean "twice as cheap". While seemingly similar, "half as expensive" is relative to a more expensive item, whereas "twice as cheap" can imply a different or unclear reference point. Ensure clarity by specifying what you are comparing against.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half as expensive" functions as an adjectival phrase used for comparison. It modifies a noun by describing its relative cost, indicating that it is significantly cheaper than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half as expensive" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something costs 50% less than another item. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is readily usable in various written contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, making it a versatile tool for expressing cost comparisons. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing it with phrases like "twice as cheap", and always specify the item to which you are comparing the cost. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "50% cheaper" or "half the price".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

50% cheaper

Uses a percentage to quantify the cost difference.

half the price

A more direct and concise way to express the same cost reduction.

50 percent less costly

More formal and precise language to express a reduced price.

significantly more affordable

Emphasizes affordability more than the exact cost difference.

considerably more economical

Highlights the economic benefits or savings.

markedly lower in cost

More formal and emphasizes the noticeable difference in price.

substantially reduced price

Focuses on the significant reduction in the original price.

at a fraction of the cost

Implies a much greater cost reduction than just half.

available at a discount

Highlights the availability of a lower price through a discount.

budget-friendly alternative

Suggests that something is cheap.

FAQs

How can I use "half as expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "half as expensive" to compare the price of two items, indicating that one costs 50% less than the other. For example: "This model is "half as expensive" as the premium version".

What are some alternatives to saying "half as expensive"?

Some alternatives include "50% cheaper", "half the price", or "significantly more affordable", depending on the context and the level of formality you need.

Is it correct to say "twice as cheap" instead of "half as expensive"?

While "twice as cheap" might seem similar, it can be ambiguous. "Half as expensive" is clearer because it directly relates the cost to a specific, more expensive item. It is more precise.

What's the difference between "half as expensive" and "more affordable"?

"Half as expensive" provides a quantitative comparison, stating the specific cost reduction. "More affordable" simply indicates that something is cheaper without specifying the exact amount or percentage.