rather high prices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather high prices" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe prices that are considered to be above average or expensive. Example: "The restaurant is known for its gourmet dishes, but many customers are put off by the rather high prices on the menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is not to say the food was bad; it just lacked the finesse that the rather high prices would lead you to expect.

The New York Times

Rather high prices, shatteringly loud noise level and inconsistent fare.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although it seems that you are paying a rather high price for payment protection insurance, you can't legislate for the future.

The Guardian - Money

But if these are not aesthetic, have we not paid a rather high price for our definition of this word the price of detaching it from the phenomena that it was designed to identify?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just a few loose screws Malaysia meets reality ReprintsFortis's bid for Générale, spurned initially but then accepted on May 12th, appeared to have swept up the only remaining Belgian bank of any size which is why Jan Kalff, ABN Amro's chairman, said that his bank "must be willing to pay a rather high price" for Générale.

The Economist

Alas, another identifying characteristic of Booq is a rather high price.

TechCrunch

But with a few kinks and a rather high price, is it worth it?

TechCrunch

But if you've experienced it, you know it offers clearer sound and more channels than regular analog radio, and for nothin' — except the extortionate rather high price of HD-capable radios.

TechCrunch

The frequent use of lactulose, despite the rather high price, depends on local therapeutic tradition.

BMC Geriatrics

Manufacturers say the trade wars will mean not more jobs, but rather higher prices.

The Washington Post

And Samsung's NX200 is also more than competitive, though it does have a rather higher price tag.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "rather high prices", ensure that the context provides a reference point for comparison, allowing the reader to understand what makes the prices 'high' in relation to something else. This provides a clearer understanding of the cost.

Common error

While "rather high prices" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "considerably expensive rates" or "relatively steep costs" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather high prices" functions as a descriptive expression, modifying the noun "prices" to indicate a level of cost that is above average. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The adjective phrase "rather high" intensifies the noun.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather high prices" is a descriptive term used to indicate that the cost of something is above average. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While straightforward, it is relatively rare in usage. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, and to a lesser extent in Science and Encyclopedias, indicating its role in informing the audience about costs. Alternatives include phrases like "considerably expensive rates" or "relatively steep costs" for a more nuanced expression. Using the phrase effectively involves providing a clear reference point for comparison so audience can effectively understand the cost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably expensive rates

Replaces "rather high" with "considerably expensive", slightly increasing the emphasis on the cost.

relatively steep costs

Uses "relatively steep" to convey a similar meaning, implying a cost that is high compared to something else.

somewhat elevated price points

Replaces "prices" with the more formal "price points" and uses "somewhat elevated" to soften the statement.

markedly increased charges

Emphasizes the increase in cost with "markedly increased", suggesting a significant rise.

noticeably inflated values

Shifts focus to the inflated nature of the value, implying an artificial increase in price.

appreciably higher tariffs

Replaces "prices" with "tariffs", suggesting taxes or duties are contributing to the higher cost.

moderately upscale rates

Implies the higher prices are due to a higher quality or luxury level.

comparatively premium fees

Suggests the higher prices are for a premium service or product.

distinctly higher expenses

Uses "distinctly higher" to emphasize the noticeable difference in cost.

somewhat upper-tier pricing

Replaces the term with a marketing term to indicate higher prices with "upper-tier pricing"

FAQs

How can I rephrase "rather high prices" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "considerably expensive rates", "relatively steep costs", or "somewhat elevated price points".

What does "rather high prices" imply about the product or service?

"Rather high prices" typically suggests that the cost of the product or service is above average or what one might typically expect, potentially due to higher quality, scarcity, or exclusivity.

Is it always negative to describe something as having "rather high prices"?

Not necessarily. While it can be a deterrent for some customers, "rather high prices" can also imply exclusivity or superior quality, attracting a different segment of consumers who are willing to pay more for perceived value.

What is a less direct way of saying "rather high prices"?

You could use phrases like "moderately upscale rates" or "comparatively premium fees" to soften the statement, suggesting the prices are higher due to added value or exclusivity rather than simply being expensive.