least cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

'least cheap' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is more expensive than other options. For example, "This dress is the least cheap in the store, costing over $100."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Is it at least cheap?

The Guardian - Tech

This would be less aggravating if deliveries were free, or at least cheap.

The New York Times

But the fad took hold because of the dull alternatives and the fact that it was, at least, cheap.

The Economist

On the surface, it seems reasonable, then, to charge Netflix for their relatively free (or at least cheap) ride: if they're using so much more bandwidth than anyone else, why not charge them for priority access?

The Guardian - Tech

And the idiotic crap required to bribe children through a long day was at least cheap: your name in Chinese for €1, apparently desirable Burt Reynolds shades for €2.

The Guardian - Travel

By contrast, big managers can afford these things even in a bear market, and boutique investment firms are at least cheap to run.A looming challenge for mid-sized outfits in Britain will be the phasing out of "softing" in response to regulators' concerns.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This is why I believe that crosswords are better — or at least cheaper — than psychotherapy.

The New York Times

Yet the cruise may be cheaper than last year's — or, at least, cheaper than you were expecting.

The New York Times - Travel

"The general consensus is that digital content should be free or at least cheaper than the physical equivalent," says YouGov.

The Guardian - Tech

It's at least cheaper than the previous iPhone 5. T3 says: It's true that we pretty much knew the score before Tim Cook even stepped on stage.

Independent

Most screenings are free, or at least cheaper than at the local multiplex, and they often feature other entertainment, like music.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least cheap" when you want to emphasize that an item or service is more expensive compared to other options, but not necessarily unaffordable.

Common error

Avoid using "least cheap" when a more direct term like "expensive" or "costly" would be clearer and more effective. The phrase can sometimes sound awkward if overused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least cheap" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It serves to indicate that something is the most expensive among a set of options.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least cheap" is a grammatically correct, though uncommon, way to describe something that is more expensive than other options. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. While simpler terms like "expensive" may often be more direct, "least cheap" is useful for making comparisons within a specific context. It's found mainly in news and media, indicating a neutral register. Remember to use it when you want to highlight relative cost rather than just stating that something is expensive in general. While accepted, consider if a more common phrase would improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not the cheapest

Uses a double negative to imply higher cost, offering a more subtle phrasing.

least affordable

Focuses on affordability rather than cheapness, highlighting difficulty in affording the item.

costlier alternative

Highlights that another option is less expensive.

more costly

Uses a simpler comparison to indicate a higher price point.

relatively expensive

Highlights that the item is expensive when compared to other similar options.

higher priced

A straightforward alternative focusing on price.

least economical

Shifts the focus to economic efficiency, suggesting a less budget-friendly choice.

priciest option

Replaces "cheap" with a more descriptive term, emphasizing the high cost compared to alternatives.

most expensive

Expresses the opposite end of the cost spectrum, indicating the highest price rather than the lowest.

expensive side

Directly refers to the expensive nature, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "least cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "least cheap" to describe something that is more expensive than other options in a set, but still within a reasonable price range. For example, "This model is the "least cheap" option, but it offers the most features."

What's a good alternative to "least cheap"?

Alternatives include "most expensive", "priciest option", or "least affordable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "least cheap" grammatically correct?

Yes, "least cheap" is grammatically sound, although it is less common than simply saying "expensive". It implies a comparison within a set of options.

When should I use "least cheap" instead of "expensive"?

Use "least cheap" when you want to highlight a comparative cost within a limited selection. "Expensive" is more general, while "least cheap" is relative to other items. For example, "Among these cars, this one is the "least cheap", but it's still under $30,000".