is cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is low in cost or inexpensive. Example: "This restaurant offers a great variety of dishes, and the best part is that everything is cheap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is cheap".

The New York Times

(3) It is cheap.

The Economist

"My rent is cheap.

The New York Times

Coal is cheap.

The Economist

"Sea transport is cheap".

The New York Times

Credit is cheap.

The Economist

The food is cheap.

The New Yorker

Production is cheap.

The Economist

Collection is cheap.

The Economist

The Superformula is cheap.

The New Yorker

Rent is cheap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing value, consider using synonyms like "affordable" or "economical" instead of "cheap", as "cheap" can sometimes imply low quality. Context is key.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, avoid overusing the phrase "is cheap". Opt for more sophisticated terms like "cost-effective", "affordable", or "economical" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is cheap" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's attribute of being low in price. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where "is cheap" modifies nouns like "rent", "coal", and "food".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is cheap" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something as low in price. While widely used, it's important to consider the context as it can sometimes imply low quality. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in News & Media, but in more formal settings, alternatives like "affordable" or "economical" might be more suitable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "is cheap" is correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable part of your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inexpensive

Replaces "cheap" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the core meaning of low cost.

is affordable

Emphasizes the accessibility of the price for a wide range of people.

is low-priced

Directly states the price is low, focusing on the numerical value.

is budget-friendly

Highlights the suitability for those with limited budgets.

is a bargain

Suggests that the item or service is offered at a surprisingly low price.

is a steal

Indicates an exceptionally good price, almost too good to be true.

is economical

Focuses on efficient use of resources, including money.

costs little

A simple and direct way of saying something does not require much money.

doesn't cost much

Similar to "costs little" but with a slightly more conversational tone.

is reasonably priced

Suggests the price is fair and justified, rather than extremely low.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is cheap" to sound more professional?

Instead of saying "is cheap", consider using phrases like "is cost-effective", "is affordable", or "is economical" depending on the context.

What's the difference between saying something "is cheap" and saying it "is affordable"?

"Is cheap" can sometimes imply low quality, while "is affordable" focuses on the price being within reach for many people. The connotation is more positive with "affordable".

Is it ever appropriate to use "is cheap" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is cheap" may sound too informal for certain contexts. It's generally better to opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "is inexpensive" or "is economical" in formal writing.

When should I use "is cheap" versus "is inexpensive"?

"Is cheap" is suitable for informal contexts, while "is inexpensive" is more appropriate for formal settings. Both phrases indicate a low price, but "inexpensive" carries a more professional tone.