pretty expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a high cost, but in a somewhat informal or casual manner. Example: "The new smartphone is pretty expensive, but I think it's worth the investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And pretty expensive, too".

The New Yorker

Steaks are pretty expensive.

The New Yorker

That's pretty expensive.

The New York Times

It's pretty expensive.

The Guardian - Tech

Problem is, it's a pretty expensive hobby".

Independent

Most technology stocks are still pretty expensive.

The Economist

Burgers up there are pretty expensive".

The New York Times - Magazine

I guess cords are pretty expensive.

The New York Times - Sports

But they are pretty expensive exercises.

The Guardian

"Certainly changing thosepanes is pretty expensive".

The New York Times - Books

The beer (Brooklyn lager, 33cl, £4.50) is pretty expensive, too.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty expensive" when you want to convey that something is costly, but in a slightly informal or understated way. It's suitable for everyday conversations and less formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty expensive" in formal reports, academic papers, or business proposals. Opt for more professional alternatives like "quite costly" or "relatively high-priced" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty expensive" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something has a high price. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples, demonstrating its common application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pretty expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that costs a significant amount of money, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in news and media, and general writing, where a slightly informal tone is acceptable. While versatile, it's important to remember that more formal alternatives like "quite costly" may be more appropriate in professional or academic contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can use "pretty expensive" effectively in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite costly

Indicates a similar level of expense, but sounds slightly more formal.

fairly pricey

Similar in meaning, but "pricey" focuses specifically on the price itself.

relatively high-priced

More formal and emphasizes the comparison to other prices.

somewhat unaffordable

Focuses on the inability to afford the item due to its price.

rather exorbitant

Implies that the price is excessively high and unreasonable.

considerably dear

A more old-fashioned and somewhat formal way of saying expensive.

definitely not cheap

Highlights the lack of affordability in a casual manner.

on the higher end

Euphemistic way of saying expensive, often used in sales contexts.

a bit steep

Suggests the price is higher than expected or desired.

costs a pretty penny

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the significant cost.

FAQs

What does "pretty expensive" mean?

It means that something costs a significant amount of money, but the word "pretty" softens the statement slightly, making it less direct than saying "very expensive".

What can I say instead of "pretty expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "quite costly", "fairly pricey", or "relatively high-priced" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pretty expensive"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources.

Is "pretty expensive" too informal for a business email?

It might be. In professional contexts, consider using a more formal alternative like "quite costly" or "somewhat unaffordable" to maintain a professional tone.