hefty price tag

USAGE SUMMARY

"hefty price tag" is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
It refers generally to anything which has a significantly high cost. Example: The new phone had a hefty price tag, but I knew it was worth it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both come with a hefty price tag.

The Guardian

I wondered what you got for that hefty price tag.

The New York Times

Such trinkets, however, come with a hefty price tag.

The Economist

Serve in gilded frame accompanied by a hefty price tag.

The New York Times

Wearables certainly come with a hefty price tag.

The Guardian

But this technique has a hefty price tag.

The New York Times

The new systems carry a hefty price tag.

The New York Times

Although well rated, it comes with a hefty price tag.

The Guardian - Money

It has come with a hefty price tag.

The Guardian

The hefty price tag won't include a lens.

The New York Times - Tech

Repeatedly rebuilding barrier islands like Bolivar carries a hefty price tag.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hefty price tag" when you want to emphasize that something is surprisingly or discouragingly expensive. It adds a touch of informal emphasis compared to simply saying 'expensive'.

Common error

While "hefty price tag" is widely understood, it is not suited for formal business reports or academic papers. In such contexts, opt for more neutral and professional alternatives such as "significant cost" or "substantial investment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hefty price tag" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes the cost of something, often implying that it is surprisingly high or discouraging, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hefty price tag" is a noun phrase used to describe something that is perceived as significantly expensive. Ludwig AI validates it as grammatically correct and shows its frequent use, particularly in news and media. While effective in conveying a sense of high cost, it's best to avoid it in very formal contexts, where phrases like "significant cost" are more appropriate. Remember to use this phrase to add emphasis when discussing the cost of goods, services, or projects, but always consider your audience and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

premium sticker price

Synonymous expression that refers directly to the high price of a product.

expensive cost

Changes "hefty price tag" to a slightly more direct phrasing, focusing on the expensiveness of the cost.

top-tier pricing

Indicates that a product or service is priced at the high end of the market.

substantial expense

Replaces the more colloquial "hefty price tag" with a more formal and business-oriented term.

considerable financial burden

Shifts the focus from price to the impact on financial resources, implying a significant weight or strain.

significant investment

Framing it as an investment emphasizes the value received for the high cost, rather than just the expense.

premium rate

Implies a high price due to superior quality or exclusivity of service.

major expenditure

Highlights the scale of the spending, particularly in a formal or budgetary context.

costly affair

Emphasizes the negative impacts of an expensive undertaking.

fortune

Replaces a neutral expression with a more hyperbolic one.

FAQs

What does "hefty price tag" mean?

The phrase "hefty price tag" means something is surprisingly or discouragingly expensive. It implies that the cost is significant and might be a barrier for some people.

How can I use "hefty price tag" in a sentence?

You can use "hefty price tag" in a sentence like this: "Although the new phone had many advanced features, its "hefty price tag" deterred many potential buyers.".

What can I say instead of "hefty price tag"?

You can use alternatives like "expensive cost", "substantial expense", or "considerable financial burden" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "hefty price tag" in formal writing?

While widely understood, "hefty price tag" is generally more appropriate for informal or news-style writing. For formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms such as "significant cost" or "substantial investment".