more expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"more expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare the cost of two items. For example, "This laptop is more expensive than the one I bought last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything becomes more expensive.

The Guardian

It's also more expensive.

The New Yorker

Debt is more expensive.

The Economist

Lobsters are more expensive.

The New York Times

"They're just more expensive".

The Guardian

— and commensurately more expensive.

The New Yorker

One more expensive example.

The New Yorker

I'm more expensive now.

The New York Times

Drugs have gotten more expensive.

The New York Times

"More expensive wine is O.K.

The New York Times

That made them more expensive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more expensive" when comparing two or more specific items or options. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "more expensive" without providing context or comparison. Always specify what the item is "more expensive" than to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is "more expensive", say "This model is "more expensive" than the base model".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more expensive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that its cost is higher than that of another item. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more expensive" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that one item costs more than another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in writing. It appears most frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and wikis. When using "more expensive", be sure to provide context by specifying what the item is "more expensive" than. Alternatives include "costlier", "higher priced", and "more costly", each offering slight variations in emphasis. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and alternatives, enhancing clarity in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costlier

Single word alternative implying a higher cost.

higher priced

Focuses on the price being at a higher level.

more costly

Synonymous, but emphasizes the cost aspect.

at a premium

Suggests a higher price for superior quality or exclusivity.

carries a higher price tag

Informal way of saying something is more expensive.

more upscale

Implies a higher price due to better quality or exclusivity.

top-tier

Indicates a product or service is in the highest price range.

upper-end

Suggests a higher price point compared to other similar items.

luxury

Implies a high price due to exceptional quality, design, or brand.

premium

Often used to describe products or services with higher quality and price.

FAQs

How to use "more expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "more expensive" to compare the prices of two or more items. For example, "The new model is "more expensive" than the previous one" or "Organic food is often "more expensive" than conventionally grown produce".

What can I say instead of "more expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "costlier", "higher priced", or "more costly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "more expensive" or "expensiver"?

"More expensive" is the correct comparative form of "expensive". The word "expensiver" is not grammatically correct in standard English.

What's the difference between "more expensive" and "at a premium"?

"More expensive" is a general comparison of cost. "At a premium" suggests that the higher price is due to superior quality, exclusivity, or other added value.