it was cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was low in cost or inexpensive in the past. Example: "I bought that shirt on sale, and it was cheap, so I couldn't resist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was cheap — a charity shop".

The New Yorker

Because it was cheap.

The New York Times

It was cheap Californian.

Independent

It was cheap theatrics.

The Washington Post

"Also because it was cheap.

The Guardian

"It was cheap," Jimenez shrugged.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was cheap and nasty.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was cheap a charity shop".

The New Yorker

It was cheap, and close to campus.

The New Yorker

I thought it was cheap.

The New Yorker

It was cheap before the bear market halved it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was cheap" to describe a past event or purchase, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the low price. For instance, specifying "it was cheap because it was on sale" provides additional clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was cheap" as a standalone statement without providing additional information. To enhance the description, specify what made it affordable or why the price was low, preventing potential ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was cheap" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It's used to characterize a subject by indicating its low cost or affordability at a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was cheap" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that had a low cost in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It functions as a descriptive statement, often providing a reason or justification. While its register is generally neutral, context can influence its perceived formality. Alternatives include "it was inexpensive" and "it was affordable", which may carry slightly different connotations. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reason for the low price to avoid ambiguity. With its high frequency in news and media, understanding its nuances is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was affordable

Stresses that the price was within reach.

it was inexpensive

Emphasizes the low price point.

the price was low

Directly states the minimal cost.

it didn't cost much

Focuses on the minimal expenditure involved.

it was a good value

Emphasizes the balance between price and quality.

it was budget-friendly

Suggests suitability for those with limited funds.

it was reasonably priced

Indicates a fair cost relative to the item's worth.

it was economical

Highlights the cost-effectiveness of the purchase.

it was a bargain

Highlights the advantageous price relative to value.

it was a steal

Implies a significant discount or exceptional value.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was cheap"?

You can use alternatives like "it was inexpensive", "it was affordable", or "it was a bargain" depending on the context.

How to use "it was cheap" in a sentence?

Use "it was cheap" to describe something that had a low price in the past. For example: "I bought the book because "it was cheap"".

Which is correct, "it was cheap" or "it is cheap"?

"It was cheap" is used to describe something that had a low price in the past. "It is cheap" is used to describe something that has a low price in the present. Therefore, the correct choice depends on the tense you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "it was cheap" and "it was inexpensive"?

While "it was cheap" and "it was inexpensive" both indicate a low price, "it was cheap" can sometimes imply lower quality, whereas "it was inexpensive" is generally neutral. The nuance depends on the context.