is not cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the cost or value of something, indicating that it is relatively expensive or not affordable. Example: "While the restaurant has great reviews, I must warn you that the food is not cheap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barolo is not cheap.

The New York Times - Food

Ivermectin is not cheap.

The New York Times

This is not cheap.

The Economist

The neighborhood is not cheap.

The New York Times

This is not cheap nostalgia.

Independent

And it is not cheap.

The Economist

But it is not cheap.

The Economist

News gathering is not cheap.

Independent

The food is not cheap.

The New York Times

Korean food is not cheap.

The New York Times

That is not cheap.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not cheap", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is, and why its cost is relevant to the discussion. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "is not cheap" when you mean something is of low quality or poorly made. "Not cheap" refers specifically to cost, not inherent value or construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not cheap" functions as a negative assertion, indicating that something has a significant cost. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show it modifying a wide range of subjects, from food and wine to services and even abstract concepts like research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not cheap" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates something is expensive. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider the specific context and audience to ensure clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "is quite expensive" or "comes at a high price" can provide nuanced expression. Avoid using it when referring to quality rather than cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite expensive

Uses "quite expensive" instead of "not cheap" to directly state the high cost.

is rather costly

Replaces "cheap" with "costly" and adds "rather" to emphasize the expense.

comes at a high price

Focuses on the price aspect, indicating that the item or service is expensive.

is beyond my budget

Shifts the perspective to affordability, suggesting it exceeds one's financial means.

is not exactly a bargain

Uses a more colloquial expression to imply that the price is higher than expected.

is on the pricier side

Employs a comparative structure to indicate it is more expensive than alternatives.

carries a hefty price tag

Highlights the significant cost associated with the item or service.

will break the bank

Uses an idiomatic expression to mean it is extremely expensive.

is a significant investment

Frames the cost as an investment, implying it requires a substantial financial commitment.

demands considerable expenditure

Uses formal language to state that a significant amount of money is required.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not cheap" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "is quite expensive", "is rather costly", or "demands considerable expenditure" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "is not cheap"?

When something "is not cheap", it means that it is relatively expensive and requires a significant amount of money to acquire or experience.

Is "is not cheap" the same as saying something is valuable?

While expensive items are often valuable, "is not cheap" only refers to the cost. Value encompasses aspects beyond price, such as quality, rarity, or utility. Therefore, while related, they aren't interchangeable.

What are some alternatives to using "is not cheap" in informal conversation?

For informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is on the pricier side", "will break the bank", or "is not exactly a bargain".