is not expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the affordability of an item or service. Example: "This restaurant is great because the food is not expensive, yet it tastes amazing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But on the plus side it is not expensive and it's undemanding family fun.

Independent

Additionally, honey is not expensive.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

And the solution is not expensive.

The New York Times

By British standards, it is not expensive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is not expensive," he told this newspaper years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

"The material is not expensive, but it is all handmade.

The Guardian

Despite what you think, PSA training (PSAT) is not expensive!

The New York Times

The region's weather helps explain why sherry is not expensive.

The New York Times - Food

For all its tourist reputation, the beer is not expensive: a litre of Dunkel costs €7.30.

Independent

Tuberculosis is almost always curable, and the cure is not expensive.

The Economist

Providing basic health and education is not expensive where labour is cheap.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing affordability, use "is not expensive" to clearly communicate that the cost is within reach for a wide range of people. Combine it with specific price points or comparisons to illustrate the value.

Common error

Avoid using "is not expensive" when the emphasis is on high quality despite the cost. Instead, use it when highlighting that something provides adequate quality at a reasonable price. For example, if you're talking about a luxury item that provides value and high quality then "is not expensive" is probably not the best way to refer to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not expensive" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the attribute of a subject. It indicates that something possesses the quality of being affordable or low-cost. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Independent

3%

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to convey affordability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "is affordable" and "is reasonably priced" offer nuanced meanings, "is not expensive" provides a clear and neutral way to indicate that something's cost is within reach, making it a valuable tool in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is affordable

Focuses directly on the ability to purchase without financial strain.

is inexpensive

A more formal synonym, emphasizing low price.

is reasonably priced

Suggests a fair cost in relation to the quality or service provided.

is low-cost

Directly points to the low monetary investment required.

is budget-friendly

Emphasizes suitability for those with limited financial resources.

doesn't cost much

A simpler, more direct way of stating low cost.

is economical

Highlights the value and efficiency of the cost.

is modestly priced

Implies a cost that is lower than average or expected.

is a good value

Focuses on the balance between price and what you receive.

won't break the bank

An idiomatic expression meaning it's affordable and won't cause financial problems.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is not expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "is affordable", "is reasonably priced", or "is budget-friendly" depending on the context.

How can I use "is not expensive" in a sentence?

Use "is not expensive" to describe something that has a low price relative to its value or compared to similar items. For example: "This treatment is effective and is not expensive."

What's the difference between "is not expensive" and "is cheap"?

"Is cheap" can sometimes imply low quality, while "is not expensive" simply indicates a low price without necessarily suggesting poor quality. The second expression has a more neutral connotation.

When is it appropriate to use "is not expensive"?

It is appropriate to use "is not expensive" when you want to highlight that something is affordable or reasonably priced, especially in comparison to other options or the perceived value. It's useful in situations where budget is a key consideration.