more expensive than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more expensive than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing the cost of two items or services. For example: "This restaurant is more expensive than that one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nothing is more expensive than room service".

The New York Times

It was more expensive than other beers.

The New York Times

At least, something more expensive than Plax.

The Guardian

Nothing's more expensive than the current system".

The New York Times

Appetizers are more expensive than some entrees.

The New York Times

D.C. is more expensive than New York?

The Washington Post

This was more expensive than we'd expected.

The New York Times

Borrowing is always more expensive than saving.

The Washington Post

Campus Shared Services was much more expensive than was anticipated.

University of California, Berkeley

Eating clubs are somewhat more expensive than other dining options.

Princeton University

Print revenue, print advertising is more expensive than internet advertising.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, ensure that you specify the currency or context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The imported version is more expensive than the locally produced one."

Common error

Avoid using "more expensive than" when you actually mean "more valuable than". Price and value are not always the same; something inexpensive can still be invaluable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more expensive than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one item or service has a higher price compared to another. As Ludwig AI shows, it is a very common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

31%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Forbes

2%

HuffPost

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more expensive than" is a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that one item costs more than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and very common usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the currency and context. Avoid confusing cost with value, as something less expensive may still be invaluable. Alternatives like "costlier than" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costlier than

Synonymous, placing emphasis on the cost.

more high-priced than

Direct synonym focusing on high price.

at a higher price point than

More formal, emphasizes the price level.

carries a higher price tag than

Idiomatic, emphasizing the apparent cost.

represents a larger outlay than

Formal, emphasizes expenditure differences.

less economical than

Focuses on the lack of economy compared to something else.

commands a greater value than

Highlights perceived value influencing cost.

bears a heavier financial burden than

Focuses on the financial weight or burden.

demands more investment than

Emphasizes the investment aspect of cost.

more extravagant than

Implies luxury contributing to higher cost.

FAQs

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

Use "more expensive than" to compare the prices of two items or services. For example, "Dining at that restaurant is "more expensive than" eating at home".

What's a simpler way to say "more expensive than"?

You could use "costlier than" as a direct substitute, depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "most expensive than"?

No, the correct superlative form is "most expensive". The comparative form, used for comparing two items, is "more expensive than".

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

"More expensive than" focuses on the higher price, while "less affordable than" focuses on the ability to pay. Something "more expensive than" another may still be affordable, while something "less affordable than" implies a strain on budget.