less expensive than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less expensive than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the cost of two items or services, indicating that one is cheaper than the other. Example: "This laptop is less expensive than the one I bought last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are less expensive than new ammunition.

The New York Times

Less expensive than a supercharged R-2.

The New York Times

It is much less expensive than America.

The New York Times

It's also less expensive than Arctic cod.

The New York Times

Painting is much less expensive than carpet".

The New York Times

It's probably less expensive than wine".

The New York Times - Food

(Paris is probably less expensive than Chappaqua).

The New York Times

Preventive services are also significantly less expensive than foster care.

The New York Times

"It was less expensive than we thought," he says.

The Economist

Weaponized drones are far less expensive than manned jets.

The New York Times

Deterrence, while expensive, is incomparably less expensive than war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. "Cheaper" may be more appropriate for informal contexts, while "less expensive" is suitable for professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "less expensive than" to express subjective opinions. Instead of saying "This movie is less expensive than fun", which doesn't make sense, use it to compare actual costs, such as "This streaming service is "less expensive than" going to the cinema".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less expensive than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one item, service, or option has a lower monetary cost relative to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less expensive than" is a widely used and grammatically sound comparative phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. Primarily employed to make direct cost comparisons, it finds frequent application in contexts such as news reporting, scientific research, and general informational writing. While suitable for professional environments, it maintains a neutral tone and remains accessible for everyday communication. When using "less expensive than", ensure that you are making a clear and logical comparison. For those seeking alternative expressions, phrases like "cheaper than" or "more affordable than" can serve as effective substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more affordable than

Replaces "expensive" with "affordable", emphasizing accessibility of price.

cheaper than

A more direct and commonly used synonym for "less expensive".

costs less than

Focuses on the act of spending money.

at a lower price point than

More formal and emphasizes the price level.

more economical than

Highlights the resource-saving aspect.

represents a better value than

Emphasizes the benefit received for the price paid.

offers greater savings than

Focuses on saving money compared to another option.

is a budget-friendly alternative to

Suggests a comparison in terms of a product's budget impact.

a more competitive price than

Highlights the market aspect of pricing.

a better buy than

Implies that one option is more advantageous in terms of cost.

FAQs

What is a synonym for "less expensive than"?

Alternatives to "less expensive than" include "cheaper than", "more affordable than", or "costs less than".

Is it correct to say "less expensive than"?

Yes, "less expensive than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for comparing costs. It indicates that one item or service has a lower price compared to another.

How can I use "less expensive than" in a sentence?

You can use "less expensive than" to compare the price of two items, such as "This brand is "less expensive than" the leading competitor" or "Buying in bulk is "less expensive than" buying individual items".

What's the difference between "less expensive than" and "more affordable than"?

While both phrases indicate a lower cost, "less expensive than" directly compares prices, whereas "more affordable than" implies something is within a person's budget or easier to pay for. The terms are often interchangeable, but "more affordable than" focuses more on the buyer's financial capacity.