kind of expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is somewhat costly, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The new smartphone is kind of expensive, but I think it's worth the investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kind of expensive, though".

The New York Times

"It was kind of expensive," he said.

The New York Times

It will be kind of expensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's kind of expensive, about twenty-five dollars a month.

The New Yorker

They're kind of expensive to use," he told the magazine.

Independent

But the deeper issue is an overreliance by studios on the same kind of expensive movie.

The New York Times

"They're kind of expensive to use... plus it's not like drip coffee is tough to make".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The picture turns dealing into a kind of expensive, high-speed scavenger hunt.

The New Yorker

I normally skip hotel restaurants because I know they can be kind of expensive, but I was tight on time.

The New York Times

"Some are like SoHo or the meatpacking district," he continued, "hip and fabulous, but small and kind of expensive".

The New York Times

There's a kind of expensive, well-appointed, historically correct dullness going on here — a display of authenticity without much fight.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind of expensive", consider the context. It's suitable for informal conversations and writing, but in formal settings, opt for more precise language like "moderately expensive" or "relatively high-priced".

Common error

Avoid using "kind of expensive" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Overuse can make your writing sound less professional. Vary your language by using synonyms like "moderately priced" or "somewhat costly" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of expensive" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying an adjective (expensive). It serves to qualify the degree to which something is expensive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is moderately pricey. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While acceptable in many situations, it's best to use more precise language in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "somewhat pricey" or "moderately expensive" for increased formality. The phrase serves to provide context around cost, helping to justify decisions or share opinions on value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat pricey

Replaces "kind of" with "somewhat", indicating a similar degree of cost but with a slightly more formal tone.

a bit costly

Uses "a bit" instead of "kind of", offering a slightly more understated way to express that something is expensive.

relatively high-priced

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more descriptive adjective, indicating that the price is high in comparison to something else.

moderately expensive

Replaces "kind of" with "moderately", suggesting a more precise degree of expensiveness.

not exactly cheap

Uses a negative construction to imply that something is expensive, while also being less direct.

on the pricier side

Indicates that something belongs to the more expensive end of a range of similar items.

rather dear

Employs a slightly old-fashioned term ("dear") to mean expensive, adding a touch of formality or quaintness.

fairly costly

Uses "fairly" to modify "costly", providing a straightforward alternative with a similar level of formality to the original.

somewhat unaffordable

Highlights the potential difficulty in affording the item, rather than just stating it's expensive.

exceeding my budget

Indicates something is too expensive for the speaker's personal financial constraints.

FAQs

What does "kind of expensive" mean?

The phrase "kind of expensive" means something is somewhat costly, but not extremely so. It indicates a moderate level of expensiveness.

How to use "kind of expensive" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe items, services, or experiences. For example: "That restaurant is "kind of expensive", but the food is excellent."

What can I say instead of "kind of expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat pricey", "a bit costly", or "moderately expensive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "kind of expensive"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is acceptable in informal contexts.