not very expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a relatively low cost, but is not the cheapest option available. Example: "The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are not very expensive, making it a great choice for families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("I'm not very expensive," he says).

The New Yorker

"At that price, that company is not very expensive".

The New York Times

And it's not very expensive, because of cheap hotels.

The New York Times - Sports

Adapting these systems for other markets is not very expensive.

The Economist

It was light, entertaining and not very expensive to produce.

The New York Times

It's mostly labor, because duct tape is not very expensive and studio space is not very expensive.

The New York Times

It's not very far, it's not very expensive, and it's certainly no less international than before!

University of California, Berkeley

"That's one of the best things about the toy: they're not very expensive," Ms. McGowan said.

The New York Times

"The reality is the stock was not very expensive to begin with," Mr. Wolf said.

The New York Times

Not extravagant at all — just a small not very expensive bouquet".

Independent

They're not very expensive and they will make it easier to temper chocolate accurately.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the price of an item, use "not very expensive" to indicate that it's affordable, but avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "reasonably priced" or "budget-friendly" for variety.

Common error

Avoid assuming "not very expensive" equates to low quality. While it suggests affordability, it doesn't inherently imply inferiority. Be specific about quality aspects separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very expensive" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating that the item or service being described has a relatively low price. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very expensive" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase for describing something with a relatively low cost. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and quite common. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and casual conversation. While synonymous with terms like "quite affordable" or "reasonably priced", it's crucial to use it accurately and avoid implying that affordability equates to low quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite affordable

Indicates that something is within a reasonable price range, emphasizing its accessibility.

relatively inexpensive

Highlights that the cost is low compared to other similar items or services.

moderately priced

Suggests a cost that is neither high nor low, falling into a middle ground.

reasonably priced

Conveys that the cost is fair and justified for the value received.

budget-friendly

Emphasizes that the item or service is suitable for people with limited financial resources.

easy on the wallet

A more informal way of saying affordable, implying minimal financial strain.

doesn't cost an arm and a leg

An idiomatic expression emphasizing that something is affordable or a bargain.

cheap but good

Highlights the combination of low price and acceptable quality.

within my budget

Indicates that something falls within one's financial constraints or spending limit.

economical choice

Implies it's a cost-effective selection, typically highlighting long-term cost benefits.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "not very expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "quite affordable", "relatively inexpensive", or "reasonably priced" depending on the context.

How does "not very expensive" compare to "cheap"?

"Not very expensive" suggests affordability without necessarily implying low quality, whereas "cheap" can sometimes carry a negative connotation of poor quality. Using "not very expensive" is often a more diplomatic choice.

Is it correct to say "not so expensive" instead of "not very expensive"?

While "not so expensive" is understandable, "not very expensive" is more common and grammatically standard. "Not so expensive" may sound slightly informal.

When should I use "budget-friendly" instead of "not very expensive"?

Use "budget-friendly" when you want to emphasize that something is particularly suitable for those with limited financial resources. "Not very expensive" is more general, simply indicating a reasonable price point.