rather more expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather more expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is significantly more costly than another option or than expected. Example: "The new model is rather more expensive than the previous version, but it offers additional features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Yet the formal, rather more expensive N.I.E. has a distinctive status and credibility in Washington.

The New Yorker

Giles wonders innocently whether Delia couldn't have specified a rather more expensive cut of rat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then, as they lumbered forward once more, another young but rather more expensive Manchester United footballer, Anthony Martial, broke away.

Independent

All the same, in all these cases, what may have seemed cheap at first is now starting to look rather more expensive.

The Economist

The menu then changes on Wednesday to Saturday evenings into a rather more expensive Mexican mix of quesadillas, burritos and fajitas.

The Guardian - Travel

At the moment it is rather more expensive than its petrochemical competitors, but Cargill-Dow hopes to brand it as a premium product in the market for environmentally friendly goods.Biopolymers are environmentally friendly twice over.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

BEST PRACTICE ADVICE: Clinicians should prescribe generic medications, if possible, rather than more expensive brand-name medications.

Harvard University

The protein, or DNA, testing revealed that the parchment was prepared from sheepskin rather than more expensive calfskin.

Harvard University

Mr. Levin noticed that five or six clients bought hybrid cars rather than more expensive, less fuel-efficient Mercedeses.

The New York Times

We also chose to use foamcore board and salvaged cardboard for our enclosure platform rather than more expensive options like Plexiglas.

Cornell University

Creating a separate offence of causing minor injuries would enable far more offences to be dealt with by magistrates courts rather than more expensive crown court trials.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "rather more expensive" to subtly indicate a noteworthy price difference without sounding overly negative or judgmental. This phrasing is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "rather more expensive" excessively in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "pricier" or "more costly" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather more expensive" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "expensive". It indicates a degree of expensiveness that is noticeable but not extreme. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate to use it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Rather more expensive" is a phrase used to express that something costs noticeably more, but not overwhelmingly so. Ludwig's analysis shows it's grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, especially News & Media and Science. While the phrase is suitable for formal writing, avoid overuse in casual settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly usable and understandable, and it provides a nuanced way to describe price differences without exaggerating them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively more expensive

Indicates expense in comparison to something else.

substantially greater expense

Focuses on the larger financial outlay required.

considerably costlier

Emphasizes a significant difference in cost; more formal.

decidedly steeper in price

Emphasizes the significant increase in the price.

significantly higher priced

Highlights the elevated price point.

somewhat pricier

Expresses a slight increase in price; less formal.

noticeably dearer

Indicates an easily observed price difference.

markedly more valuable

Suggests increased value justifies the higher price.

appreciably more upscale

Focuses on the higher quality associated with the cost.

distinctly premium

Highlights the top-tier status implied by the price.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather more expensive" to compare the price of two items, for example, "This model is "rather more expensive" than the base version, but it includes additional features."

What are some alternatives to "rather more expensive"?

Alternatives include "somewhat pricier", "considerably costlier", or "significantly higher priced", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "rather more expensive" the same as "much more expensive"?

While both phrases indicate a higher price, "rather more expensive" suggests a less drastic difference than "much more expensive". "Rather" implies a noticeable but not overwhelming increase, whereas "much" suggests a considerable price jump.

Which is more formal, "rather more expensive" or "slightly more expensive"?

"Rather more expensive" is generally considered more formal than "slightly more expensive". The word "rather" often lends a more refined or sophisticated tone to the statement.