really expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the high cost of an item or service. Example: "The new smartphone is really expensive, and I can't afford to buy it right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Really expensive.

The Economist

"Retirement is really expensive.

The New York Times

It's really expensive".

The New Yorker

Really expensive adverts.

The Guardian - Film

It's a really expensive thing".

The Guardian - Film

"And wigs are really expensive.

The Guardian

"Being gay is really expensive".

The Guardian - Film

A really expensive health spa.

The New Yorker

"Beef is really expensive in Japan.

The Guardian

Another similarity: "Park Slope is really expensive".

The New York Times

"A lot of them are really expensive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really expensive" to emphasize the high cost of something in a straightforward manner. While versatile, consider context-specific synonyms like "exorbitant" or "pricey" for nuanced communication.

Common error

Avoid stacking intensifiers (e.g., "really, really expensive"). While emphasis can be effective, excessive use weakens your writing. Opt for stronger adjectives or rephrase for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "really expensive" is to act as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something is expensive. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to emphasize the high cost of an item or service.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really expensive" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something with a high price. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, context-specific synonyms can add nuance. It's important to avoid overusing intensifiers for stronger writing. In formal settings, consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "exorbitantly priced". Overall, "really expensive" serves as a straightforward way to emphasize cost, but writers should be mindful of register and potential overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very pricey

Replaces "really" with "very" and "expensive" with "pricey", offering a slightly more informal tone.

extremely costly

Substitutes "really" with "extremely" and "expensive" with "costly", emphasizing the high cost.

incredibly high-priced

Emphasizes the high price using "incredibly", suggesting surprise or disbelief.

prohibitively expensive

Indicates that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or participation.

highly-priced

A more formal alternative, replacing "really" with "highly".

exorbitantly priced

Suggests the price is unreasonably high, often implying unfairness.

astronomically expensive

Uses "astronomically" to illustrate an extremely high price, beyond normal expectations.

unreasonably expensive

Conveys that the price is not justified or proportionate to the value.

top-end

Implies premium quality that justifies the high price.

at a premium

Indicates that the item or service is sold at a higher price due to its exclusivity or desirability.

FAQs

What does "really expensive" mean?

The phrase "really expensive" means something costs a lot of money; it's a straightforward way to emphasize that an item or service has a high price.

What can I say instead of "really expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "very pricey", "extremely costly", or "prohibitively expensive" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "really expensive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Really" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "expensive", making it a standard and acceptable construction in English.

When should I use "really expensive" over a more formal alternative?

Use "really expensive" in informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "highly-priced" or "exorbitantly priced" to maintain a professional tone.