is too dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is too dear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is overly expensive or precious, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The price of the concert tickets is too dear for my budget this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It is too dear a price to pay for our country".

The New York Times

Renewable energy is too dear and too underdeveloped to replace more than a fraction of the lost power.

The Economist

The best sites have all been taken, and building is too dear; the fashion now is to remove dams.

The Economist

"The Japanese and Dutchmen come in every year and buy all the babies, so is too dear now".

The New York Times - Magazine

And whether you think it is too dear or not, there is no denying that it is a product with a history as rich as the people who quaff it.

Independent

"The state of Israel is too dear to me to stop working for its interests," Ms. Livini told reporters before handing her letter of resignation to the speaker of the house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But it may be too dear for this purpose.

The New York Times - Food

But even in 2001 it reckoned that at $2 a hectare Ngoyla-Mintom was too dear.

The Economist

Vastly experienced and not likely to command wages that are too dear.

The Guardian - Sport

The effect was less stuffy than dear, and that was his problem; he was too dear, too kind.

The New Yorker

Spread the cost of cooking between a group of friends and it won't be too dear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is too dear" when you want to convey that something is not only expensive but also highly valued or cherished, making the cost feel even more significant.

Common error

Avoid using "is too dear" when simply stating the price of something. It's more appropriate when implying a sense of loss or emotional value associated with the cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too dear" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's cost or value is excessively high. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from political decisions to consumer choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food

20%

Opinion

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is too dear" is a grammatically sound and contextually rich expression used to convey that something is excessively expensive or precious. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and offers real-world examples showcasing its use across various domains. While not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "is too expensive", it carries a nuanced connotation, often implying a sense of regret or heightened value associated with the cost. It is particularly apt in news, food, and opinion pieces, reflecting its suitability for thoughtful commentary. When writing, remember to deploy "is too dear" when the cost is not just monetary, but also carries emotional or qualitative weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unaffordable

Simply states that something cannot be afforded.

is prohibitively expensive

Emphasizes the extremely high cost, making it impossible to afford.

is unreasonably high

Highlights the lack of justification for the high price.

is excessively costly

Highlights the excessiveness of the price.

is overly priced

Focuses on the perceived unfairness of the price.

is beyond reach

Indicates that something is unattainable due to its high price or difficulty.

costs a fortune

An idiomatic way of saying something is very expensive.

is not worth the price

Indicates that the value does not justify the cost.

is too valuable

Shifts the focus from monetary cost to intrinsic value, implying it's irreplaceable.

is an extravagance

Suggests something is luxurious and unnecessary due to its cost.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "is too dear"?

Use "is too dear" when you want to emphasize that something is not just expensive, but also precious or significant in some way. It implies a sense of loss or regret associated with the cost. For more straightforward cost descriptions, consider alternatives like "is too expensive" or "is unaffordable".

What are some alternatives to "is too dear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is prohibitively expensive", "is excessively costly", or "costs a fortune". These alternatives might be more appropriate if you're primarily focusing on the monetary aspect of the cost.

Is "is too dear" formal or informal?

"Is too dear" is relatively neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it leans slightly towards a more literary or thoughtful style compared to simpler alternatives like "is too expensive".

Can "is too dear" refer to things other than money?

Yes, "is too dear" can be used metaphorically to describe things that are costly in terms of effort, sacrifice, or emotional toll. For example, you might say "the price of success "is too dear"" if the effort required is overwhelming.