is pretty high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty high" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is more than average, or greater than is expected. For example, "The cost of the new car is pretty high, but it's worth it because of its features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Rugby is pretty high scoring".

The New York Times - Sports

"The whipsaw danger is pretty high here".

The New York Times

"The bar is pretty high," Mr. Jobs acknowledged.

The New York Times - Tech

I'd think the threshold for actually selling is pretty high.

The Economist

The third one is that their shot tolerance is pretty high with a good quality shot".

The New York Times - Sports

These days Mr. Regan's batting average is pretty high, several label executives and band managers said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Your pulse was up to one-sixty, which David tells me is pretty high".

The New Yorker

"The rent is pretty high here," she added, "so these amenities are a nice added bonus".

The New York Times

Their payroll is pretty high, but it's hard to believe they have any financial problems".

The New York Times - Sports

The bar for iconoclasm is pretty high at Paris fashion week these days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I get the sense Gary's company is pretty high-end.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is pretty high" to describe levels, amounts, or intensities that are notably above average but not necessarily at the maximum. It suggests a considerable degree without exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "is pretty high" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "is considerably high" or "is significantly elevated" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty high" functions as a descriptive expression. It quantifies a characteristic, attribute, or measurement as being above average or significant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, demonstrating its role in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is pretty high" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something above average, as verified by Ludwig AI. While prevalent in neutral contexts like News & Media, it may be less suitable for formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred. Related phrases such as "is fairly elevated" or "is quite considerable" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. When using "is pretty high", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and audience, avoiding overuse in formal settings. This phrase is best used to convey a noticeable level or degree without implying an extreme value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly elevated

Substitutes "pretty" with "fairly" and "high" with "elevated", softening the intensity slightly.

is quite considerable

Replaces "pretty high" with "quite considerable", emphasizing the substantial nature of something.

is remarkably large

Changes "pretty high" to "remarkably large", focusing on the size or extent rather than height.

is notably significant

Uses "notably significant" to convey that something is important and high in degree.

is surprisingly steep

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something being high or elevated.

is impressively great

Highlights the admirable or striking quality of something that is high or large.

reaches a substantial level

Shifts the focus to the attainment of a high level, using more formal language.

is at an appreciable height

Conveys that something is at a noticeable or significant vertical distance.

is unusually intense

Focuses on the degree of intensity rather than physical height, indicating a strong effect.

is exceptionally strong

Indicates that something possesses a high degree of strength or force.

FAQs

How can I use "is pretty high" in a sentence?

You can use "is pretty high" to describe something that is above average in degree, amount, or intensity. For example, "The demand for the product "is pretty high" during the holiday season".

What are some alternatives to "is pretty high"?

Alternatives include "is fairly elevated", "is quite considerable", or "is remarkably large", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "is pretty high" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "is pretty high" can be perceived as informal. In professional contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "is substantially high" or "is considerably elevated".

What's the difference between "is pretty high" and "is very high"?

"Is pretty high" suggests a notable but not extreme level, while "is very high" implies a greater degree or intensity. The choice depends on the precise level you wish to convey.