it is highly expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is highly expensive" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression would be "it is very expensive" or "it is highly expensive" can be used in informal contexts, but it is less common. Example: "The new smartphone model is highly expensive, making it difficult for many consumers to afford."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The cannabis-based drug Sativex, which can be used to help relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, can be prescribed by GPs, though it is highly expensive.

The Guardian

The idea of making the payroll tax deductible has been considered, but discarded, in Congress, both because it is highly expensive and because deductions favor taxpayers in upper brackets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The court's equity side became deeply unpopular during the 1830s because many cases were heard by a single judge with no real prospect of appeal; while cases could be taken to the House of Lords, it was highly expensive and time-consuming to do so.

Wikipedia

Since accurate measurement of saturation pressure is highly expensive and time-consuming, it is more favorable to estimate saturation pressure from empirical models.

Applied Petrochemical Research

The operation is highly expensive, but Mr Steptoe believes several thousand women a year could soon be benefiting from it.

The Guardian

This is highly expensive compared with the cost of providing necessary benefits and support to help someone to continue to live with self-respect, as a contributing member of the community.

The Guardian

Providing these requirements is highly expensive.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The price of the embassy method is highly expensive and very discouraging for the poorest illegal migration candidates.

IZA Journal of Migration

However, the production of AFPs is highly expensive and inefficient compared to other cryo-protectant substances used in industry.

Cryobiology

Performing the experimental tests during the design process of the yoke is highly expensive and time-consuming.

Composite Structures

Owing to the complexities of the target geometry, the computational cost of the MC simulation of particle tracks is highly expensive.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "it is very expensive" or "it is quite costly" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations. This enhances the overall quality and credibility of your writing.

Common error

While 'highly' can intensify adjectives, it's not universally applicable. Avoid using it with adjectives where it sounds unnatural. Use 'very' or 'extremely' for a smoother and more natural tone. For instance, instead of saying "it is highly interesting", use "it is very interesting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a descriptive statement indicating that something has a very high price. Ludwig AI points out that while understandable, the construction "it is highly expensive" is not considered standard English. It's more grammatically sound to say "it is very expensive".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it is highly expensive" is understandable, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests using alternatives like "it is very expensive" or "it is quite costly". The phrase appears in News & Media and Science contexts, but is less common in Formal and Business writing. When writing, aim for clarity and precision by using the suggested alternatives. Although "it is highly expensive" is used in some sources, consider its grammatical status and whether it aligns with the register you are aiming for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very costly

Replaces 'highly' with 'very', a more common and widely accepted intensifier.

it is extremely pricey

Substitutes both 'highly' and 'expensive' for stronger synonyms emphasizing the high price.

it is prohibitively expensive

Indicates the expense is so high it prevents purchase or use.

it costs a fortune

An idiomatic expression indicating something is very expensive.

it is outrageously priced

Highlights that the price is considered shockingly high or unfair.

it is exorbitant in price

Replaces "expensive" with a more formal synonym, "exorbitant", emphasizing excessiveness.

it doesn't come cheap

An informal way to express that something is expensive.

it is on the pricier side

A more subtle way of saying something is expensive, often used in comparisons.

it breaks the bank

An idiomatic phrase signifying that something is so expensive it depletes one's funds.

it requires a large investment

Focuses on the financial commitment required, implying high expense.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "it is highly expensive"?

Better options include "it is very expensive", "it is extremely expensive", or "it is quite costly".

When is it appropriate to use "it is highly expensive"?

While understandable, "it is highly expensive" is less common in formal writing. It might be acceptable in informal conversation, but more standard alternatives are generally preferred in formal or professional contexts.

Is "it is highly expensive" grammatically incorrect?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "it is highly expensive" is not correct in standard English. Although understandable, it is better to use "it is very expensive" or other alternatives.

How does "it is highly expensive" compare to "it is prohibitively expensive"?

"It is prohibitively expensive" implies that the cost is so high it prevents someone from purchasing or using something. "It is highly expensive" simply states that something is very costly, without necessarily implying that it's unaffordable.