it was so expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was so expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the high cost of an item or service, often to express surprise or disappointment. Example: "I wanted to buy that designer handbag, but it was so expensive that I had to reconsider my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Only it was so expensive".

The New Yorker

"That's when I discovered Urban Outfitters, but it was so expensive," she said.

The New York Times

I had Con Ed come and do an investigation of why it was so expensive.

The New Yorker

"I never seriously considered a matchmaker because it was so expensive," she said.

The New York Times

It was so expensive to produce, however, that low sales ensured a planned sequel never arrived.

The Guardian - Tech

"That was the biggest step of all," she says, because it was so expensive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Part of the reason it is so expensive is what goes on in its 9 1/2 bathrooms.

The New York Times

It is so expensive".

The Guardian

"But it's so expensive".

The Guardian - Business

"It's so expensive," I said.

The New York Times

It's so expensive to live outside".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was so expensive" to express surprise or mild disapproval about a high price. For stronger emphasis, consider alternatives like "it cost a fortune".

Common error

While "so" intensifies, avoid overuse. Too many "so" phrases can make your writing sound repetitive or less impactful. Vary your intensifiers or use more descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was so expensive" functions as an adjective phrase that serves to describe the high cost of something. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was so expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the high cost of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable across various contexts, especially in news, business and general media. When writing, be mindful of overusing "so" as an intensifier and consider alternatives like "it cost a fortune" for a more impactful statement. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's versatility and commonality in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cost a fortune

Replaces "so expensive" with a more figurative expression implying a very high price.

it was prohibitively priced

Substitutes "so expensive" with a formal way to suggest it was impossible to afford.

it was outrageously expensive

Adds an element of shock or indignation at the high price.

the price was exorbitant

Uses a more formal and impactful adjective to describe the high cost.

it broke the bank

An idiomatic expression meaning it cost more than one could afford.

it came with a hefty price tag

Highlights the significant cost using a descriptive noun phrase.

it was beyond my budget

Focuses on the personal inability to afford it due to financial constraints.

it was ridiculously priced

Similar to 'outrageously expensive' but slightly less formal.

the cost was astronomical

Uses a hyperbolic adjective to emphasize the extremely high price.

it drained my savings

Emphasizes the negative impact on one's financial resources.

FAQs

What does "it was so expensive" mean?

The phrase "it was so expensive" means that something cost a very large amount of money, often more than expected or desired. It conveys a sense of surprise or disappointment about the price.

What can I say instead of "it was so expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "it cost a fortune", "it was prohibitively priced", or "the price was exorbitant" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was so expensive"?

Yes, "it was so expensive" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. It is a simple and direct way to express that something had a high price.

How can I use "it was so expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "it was so expensive" to describe anything with a high price. For example: "I wanted to buy the new phone, but "it was so expensive" that I decided to wait for a sale."