less expensive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less expensive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing costs or discussing the affordability of an option or choice. Example: "Choosing public transportation is often less expensive to maintain than owning a car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let's make the games less expensive to make, and less expensive to buy".

The Guardian - Tech

It's less expensive to hire an undocumented person".

The New York Times - Food

And comedies are usually less expensive to produce.

The New York Times - Magazine

A healthy country would be less expensive to cover".

The New York Times

"Monaco is less expensive to live than London," reckons Ricard.

The Guardian

Summer rentals are also less expensive to the west.

The New York Times

Generally, they are also less expensive to deploy than VeriChip.

The New York Times - Tech

It may be less expensive to re-position the fence than to clear the brush.

Cornell University

Early infestations are easier and less expensive to manage than well-established infestations.

Cornell University

Furthermore, it is often more feasible and less expensive to collect unrelated individuals.

The American Journal of Human Genetics

The Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEB) model is much easier and less expensive to implement.

Agricultural Water Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "less expensive to" to clearly state which choice involves lower costs. For example, "It's less expensive to maintain a bicycle than a car."

Common error

Avoid using "less expensive to" without a clear comparison. It's more effective to specify what the alternative is. For instance, instead of saying "It's less expensive to travel", specify "It's less expensive to travel by bus than by plane."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less expensive to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a lower cost associated with a particular action or choice. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in diverse scenarios, from manufacturing to healthcare.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less expensive to" is a versatile phrase used to compare costs associated with different actions or options. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider options like ""cheaper to"" or "more affordable to" to suit the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's utility in presenting cost-effective solutions and informing decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more economical to

Emphasizes efficient use of resources, focusing on achieving cost savings.

cheaper to

A simpler and more direct way to express lower cost.

more affordable to

Highlights the accessibility and ease of purchase due to lower price.

lower cost to

Focuses specifically on the reduced financial outlay.

more budget-friendly to

Implies suitability for those with limited financial resources.

economical to

Highlights efficiency in terms of cost.

easier on the wallet to

An informal and relatable way to convey affordability.

financially viable to

Emphasizes the practical feasibility from a financial perspective.

cost-effective to

Indicates that the benefits outweigh the expenses.

a better value to

Stresses the perceived worth compared to the monetary investment.

FAQs

What does "less expensive to" mean?

The phrase "less expensive to" indicates that the cost associated with performing a particular action or choosing a specific option is lower than another. For instance, "It's "more economical to" buy in bulk because it reduces the per-unit cost.

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

You can use "less expensive to" when comparing the costs of two different actions or options. For example, "It's often "cheaper to" repair an appliance than to replace it."

What are some alternatives to saying "less expensive to"?

Alternatives include "more affordable to", "lower cost to", or "more budget-friendly to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "less expensive to" or "cheaper than"?

"Less expensive to" is used when comparing the cost of an action (e.g., "It's less expensive to travel by train than by car."), while "cheaper than" is used when comparing the cost of items or services (e.g., "This shirt is cheaper than that one.").