much more expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

'much more expensive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the difference between the cost of two items, or between two different options. For example, "This new laptop is much more expensive than the one I currently have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's much more expensive.

The New York Times

Much more expensive.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it is much more expensive.

Independent

Gasoline is much more expensive overseas.

The New York Times

"Going out is much more expensive.

The Guardian - Money

Meloxicam was much more expensive.

The Guardian

Solar was much more expensive.

The Guardian

"It's so much more expensive.

The Guardian

But this approach is much more expensive.

The New York Times

"So it gets much more expensive," Mr. Prater said.

The New York Times

Filing for bankruptcy has become much more expensive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, be specific about what makes "much more expensive" the case; quantify the difference if possible. For example, instead of saying "organic vegetables are much more expensive", state "organic vegetables are 30% more expensive than conventional ones".

Common error

Avoid using "much more expensive" without a clear point of reference. Ensure the reader knows what is being compared to what, to understand the magnitude of the cost difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much more expensive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that something has a higher cost than something else. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much more expensive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase that serves to highlight a significant price difference. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared and, if possible, quantifying the price difference. Ludwig's examples reveal the phrase's effectiveness in emphasizing cost disparities across diverse fields, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably pricier

Emphasizes the significant difference in price.

substantially costlier

Highlights the notable increase in cost.

significantly dearer

Implies a marked difference in price, suggesting it is notably higher.

markedly higher in price

Directly indicates a clear and noticeable increase in price.

appreciably more costly

Suggests that the increase in cost is easily perceived or measured.

noticeably more unaffordable

Focuses on the affordability aspect, indicating a clear barrier to purchase.

prohibitively expensive

Indicates that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or use.

excessively overpriced

Highlights that the item is unreasonably expensive for its value.

way more expensive

An informal way to emphasize that something costs a lot more.

a lot steeper in price

Uses an image to convey the idea that the price increase is dramatic.

FAQs

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

You can use "much more expensive" to compare the prices of two or more items, highlighting a significant price difference. For example: "Opting for the private school was "much more expensive" than the public option."

What phrases are similar to "much more expensive"?

Similar phrases include "considerably pricier", "substantially costlier", or "significantly dearer". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a lot more expensive" instead of "much more expensive"?

Yes, "a lot more expensive" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. However, it's slightly more informal than ""much more expensive"".

What is the difference between "more expensive" and "much more expensive"?

"More expensive" simply indicates that one item costs more than another. "Much more expensive" emphasizes that the difference in price is significant.