on the expensive side

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the expensive side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is more expensive than expected or than other things of its kind. For example, "This restaurant is on the expensive side, so I wouldn't recommend it for a budget dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, this is a stock that, from a valuation standpoint, is always seems on the expensive side with respect to its forward PE multiple.

Forbes

If you are a concert or event-goer, be aware that your favorite events or music artists may rarely make an appearance in Hawaii, due to being on the expensive side of shipping and airfare.

WikiHow

Unlike most after market players, however, this one is a little on the expensive side, retailing for $800 when it comes out in August.

TechCrunch

Other furnishings include flower pots that seem a little on the expensive side (one 14-inch basket weave, terra-cotta pot costs $59), flowerpot trivets ($29) that look intriguing and an incredible, enameled steel stage for potted plants that they call an "Etagere a Fleurs" (for what seems like a reasonable $70) that holds three step-up rows of flowerpots.

Los Angeles Times

Although it is a bit on the expensive side ($30), it is truly one of the best restaurants in New York.

Forbes

On the expensive side are Amass and Studio.

The New York Times - Travel

The restaurant is on the expensive side, though portions are ample.

The New York Times

THE BAR A 200-bottle wine list, on the expensive side.

The New York Times

WINE LIST Varied, well balanced and fairly priced, though on the expensive side.

The New York Times

WINE LIST Solid and well organized, if on the expensive side.

The New York Times

Food is underwhelming and on the expensive side: a bottle of water costs £2.20.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the expensive side", consider providing context or a comparison point. For example, "The service was excellent, but the meal was on the expensive side compared to other restaurants in the area."

Common error

Avoid using "on the expensive side" when something is extremely expensive. This phrase implies a moderate level of cost, not an exorbitant one. For truly high prices, consider phrases like "prohibitively expensive" or "extremely costly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the expensive side" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is relatively costly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and fit for purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the expensive side" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is pricier than average, as validated by Ludwig AI. Primarily used in news and media contexts, it serves to inform the audience of a cost factor without being overly formal. When opting for alternatives, consider "somewhat costly" or "relatively high-priced" for more formal settings. Remember to provide context to showcase why something qualifies as being "on the expensive side" to provide informative and creative content to the user.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat costly

This alternative replaces the idiomatic "on the side" with a direct adjective, making it slightly more formal.

relatively high-priced

This is a more descriptive and formal alternative, emphasizing the comparative aspect of the cost.

a bit dear

This alternative uses a less common, slightly old-fashioned term ("dear") to indicate expense.

moderately overpriced

This option suggests that the price is not only high but also slightly unjustified.

not exactly cheap

This uses a double negative to imply that something is expensive, but in a less direct way.

tending toward the higher end

This is a more verbose and indirect way of saying something is expensive, focusing on its position within a range of prices.

carrying a premium price tag

This alternative highlights the idea that the item has added value or exclusivity reflected in its price.

at a considerable cost

This phrase emphasizes the impact or significance of the expense.

more on the lavish side

This alternative focuses on extravagance and luxury rather than just price.

in the upper price bracket

This alternative places the item or service within a defined range of higher prices.

FAQs

How can I use "on the expensive side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the expensive side" to describe something that costs more than average or more than expected. For example, "While the quality is excellent, the materials are "on the expensive side"."

What's a more formal alternative to "on the expensive side"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "relatively high-priced" or "somewhat costly" instead of "on the expensive side".

What does it mean when something is described as "on the expensive side"?

It means that the item or service costs more than what is considered typical or average. It doesn't necessarily mean it's unaffordable, just that it's pricier compared to other options.

Is it correct to say "on the pricier side" instead of "on the expensive side"?

Yes, "on the pricey side" is a perfectly acceptable and similar alternative to "on the expensive side". It carries the same meaning and connotation.