may be expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential cost of something, indicating that it is possible for it to be costly. Example: "While the new software offers many features, it may be expensive for small businesses to implement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, petrol may be expensive.

Independent

It may be expensive, but he deserves it.

The New York Times

Conducting wind-tunnel studies may be expensive and time consuming, /or environmental configurations.

Energy Procedia

The Oticon devices may be expensive, but Robert Gamble of Cloquet, Minn., is pleased with them.

The New York Times

So here it is: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal may be expensive, but it's also bloody lovely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yahoo may be expensive, but investors get what they pay for, analysts and money managers say.

The New York Times

Buying ceramics may be expensive, but they are a sustainable product.

The Guardian

"Education may be expensive, but the cost of ignorance is much greater.

The Guardian - Money

Chanel may be expensive, but it doesn't have to be treated as precious.

The Washington Post

Even when there are times when doing so may be expensive or uneconomical?

The New York Times

The Commission's translation and the Parliament's simultaneous interpretation may be expensive and confusing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be expensive", consider clarifying the specific aspect that might be costly to provide context for the reader. For example, "The initial investment may be expensive, but the long-term savings are significant."

Common error

Avoid using "may be expensive" as a filler phrase. Ensure you provide a reason or context for why something might be expensive. Without justification, it weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be expensive" functions as a modal phrase expressing a possibility or potential outcome related to cost. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. It is typically employed to introduce a degree of uncertainty regarding the cost of a product, service, or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

26%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be expensive" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate a potential for high costs. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to caution or inform, often appearing in neutral contexts like news articles and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context or justification for the potential expense, and alternatives like "could prove costly" or "might turn out pricey" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "may be expensive" is a versatile phrase for discussing potential financial implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could prove costly

Emphasizes the potential for incurring significant costs.

might turn out pricey

Suggests an eventual discovery of high price.

can become unaffordable

Highlights the possibility of exceeding one's budget.

might involve substantial outlay

Focuses on the considerable amount of money required.

could lead to significant expenditure

Indicates the potential for considerable spending.

can represent a sizable investment

Presents the cost as a large financial commitment.

might require considerable funds

Emphasizes the need for a large quantity of money.

could entail high charges

Highlights the possibility of incurring significant fees.

can easily break the bank

Suggests the potential for depleting one's financial resources.

might stretch the budget

Indicates the potential for exceeding one's financial limitations.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "may be expensive"?

It means that the cost of something could potentially be high, but it's not a certainty. It suggests a possibility that needs consideration.

What are some alternatives to saying "may be expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "could prove costly", "might turn out pricey", or "can become unaffordable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "may be expensive" or "is expensive"?

Use "may be expensive" when you're unsure about the actual cost and want to express a possibility. Use "is expensive" when you have confirmed information that the cost is indeed high.

How can I use "may be expensive" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "While the new features are appealing, implementing them "could prove costly" for our small business."