is too expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is too expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the cost of an item or service that is considered high or beyond one's budget. Example: "I would love to buy that new smartphone, but it is too expensive for me right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Zambia's copper is too expensive.

The Economist

"And Condrieu is too expensive".

The New York Times - Food

America's money is too expensive.

The New York Times

First, empire is too expensive.

The New York Times

Your body is too expensive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

College tuition is too expensive.

The New York Times

"This area is too expensive.

The New York Times

Private insurance is too expensive.

The New York Times

The city is too expensive.

The New York Times

Nicola Roberts says therapy is "too expensive".

Independent

That moving wall is too expensive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is too expensive", consider specifying why it's too expensive. For example, instead of saying "The car is too expensive", try "The car is too expensive for my current budget" to provide clearer context.

Common error

Avoid using "is too expensive" when you mean "is very expensive". "Too" implies an excess that creates a problem. Saying something is "very expensive" simply states a high price, without necessarily implying it's problematic for a particular reason or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too expensive" primarily functions as a predicate adjective. It describes a noun (the subject) by attributing the quality of being excessively costly. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used to express that the price of something is beyond one's budget or considered unreasonably high, as seen in examples like "College tuition is too expensive" and "Private insurance is too expensive".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is too expensive" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something costs more than one is willing or able to pay. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a predicate adjective and can be used across various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, consider providing specific context to clarify why something is too expensive. While alternatives like "is overpriced" or "is unaffordable" exist, "is too expensive" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is overly expensive

Similar meaning, but with a slightly more informal tone.

is excessively priced

Stresses that the price goes beyond what is reasonable.

is unreasonably costly

Indicates unfair or unjustified expense.

is prohibitively priced

Highlights that the price acts as a barrier.

is overpriced

Highlights the perceived discrepancy between price and value.

is unaffordable

Simply states that the item or service cannot be afforded.

is beyond my budget

Focuses on personal financial limitations.

is dearly priced

Emphasizes high value and thus high price.

costs an arm and a leg

Emphasizes extremely high cost, often humorously.

breaks the bank

Indicates that purchasing something will deplete one's finances.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is too expensive" typically functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun. For example, "This car "is too expensive" for me right now" or "Private school "is too expensive" for many families".

What are some alternatives to saying "is too expensive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is overpriced", "is unaffordable", "is prohibitively priced", or "costs an arm and a leg".

Is it more correct to say "is too expensive" or "is very expensive"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is very expensive" simply indicates a high price. "Is too expensive" implies that the price is so high that it's a problem or barrier for a specific purpose or person.

What does it mean when someone says something "is too expensive"?

Saying something "is too expensive" generally means the cost exceeds what someone is willing or able to pay. It suggests that the price is a significant obstacle to purchasing or obtaining the item or service.