is relatively expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the cost of something to other options, indicating that it is more costly but not excessively so. Example: "While the new smartphone has many features, it is relatively expensive compared to other models on the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is relatively expensive.

The New York Times - Health

The plant itself is relatively expensive.

The Economist

Understandably, the service is relatively expensive.

The New York Times

By contrast, internet browsing is relatively expensive.

The Washington Post

Modified atmosphere packaging slows decay, but is relatively expensive.

The Guardian

Still, a phone call in Ireland is relatively expensive.

The New York Times

Even getting one with 10% is relatively expensive.

The Guardian - Money

Good TV programming is relatively expensive and difficult to make.

The Guardian

Small international wine list is relatively expensive and esoteric.

The New York Times

"Compared with that, Sonos is relatively expensive," Mr. Rubin said.

The New York Times

And cholera vaccine is relatively expensive -- $10 for two doses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, be specific about what you're comparing to. For instance, instead of saying "This car is relatively expensive", specify "This car is relatively expensive compared to other sedans in its class."

Common error

Avoid using "relatively expensive" without establishing a clear baseline for comparison. Ensure your audience understands what the item is being compared against to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively expensive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (implied or stated) by indicating that its cost is higher than some other item or standard. This assessment is supported by Ludwig and the provided examples, which consistently use the phrase to make price comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is relatively expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something's cost is higher compared to alternatives, though not exorbitantly so. Ludwig examples show its widespread use across diverse domains like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase is best used when a comparison is intended and a clear baseline is either stated or implied. While seemingly simple, ensuring clarity in comparison enhances effective communication. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of audiences, making it a versatile tool in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comparatively costly

Replaces "relatively" with "comparatively" and "expensive" with "costly", maintaining the comparative aspect of the cost.

is moderately priced

Uses "moderately priced" to suggest that the cost is neither low nor extremely high, implying it's more expensive than some alternatives.

is somewhat dear

Replaces "expensive" with "dear", adding a slightly old-fashioned tone while keeping the meaning of higher cost.

is on the pricier side

Employs a more informal expression, indicating it is among the more expensive options.

is a bit steep

Uses "steep" to suggest that the price is higher than expected or desired.

is not the cheapest option

Expresses the idea of being more expensive by stating that it is not the cheapest.

comes at a premium

Implies that the higher cost is due to superior quality or additional features.

carries a higher price tag

Rephrases the cost in terms of a "price tag", indicating a notable expense.

isn't exactly budget-friendly

Indicates the item is not suitable for those looking for inexpensive choices.

costs more than average

Indicates that the price exceeds the typical or expected cost.

FAQs

How can I use "is relatively expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "is relatively expensive" to compare the cost of something to other options. For example, "While the new smartphone has many features, it "is relatively expensive" compared to other models on the market."

What can I say instead of "is relatively expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "is comparatively costly", "is moderately priced", or "is somewhat dear" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is relatively expensive" or "is absolutely expensive"?

"Is relatively expensive" is used to show comparison with other prices, while "is absolutely expensive" implies a high price regardless of context. The former is used more frequently and is usually more informative.

What's the difference between "is relatively expensive" and "is very expensive"?

"Is relatively expensive" suggests that something costs more compared to similar items, while "is very expensive" indicates a high cost in general. The former implies a comparison, while the latter expresses an absolute judgment of price.