silly prices

USAGE SUMMARY

"silly prices" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It is an informal phrase used to describe prices that are considered too high or excessive. For example, "Why are they charging such silly prices for these shoes?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They fetch silly prices.

The Economist

Most big firms paid silly prices for companies using sillier levels of debt.

The Economist

Like the Toulouse, they need to be imported and bought at silly prices from posh delis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those excluded from the housing market by silly prices may cheer if rate rises send the market back to Earth.

The Guardian - Money

There will be periodic recessions and the occasional panic, he noted, advising that those times are good to buy stock at "silly prices".

The New York Times

The bank executive's prime concern was to ensure that computer algorithms – set to trigger buy and sell at certain levels – don't add to the confusion by executing orders at silly prices, for the bank or for its clients.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Second, useful objects that'd cost £5 to £15 at a silly price instead – a cauliflower slicer, say, or a bruised fruit pulveriser.

Independent

On the contrary, they insist, it is those who do not accept the legitimacy of a Jewish state who undermine the principle of equality, by denying to the Jews the right of self-determination they extend to others.This book is being sold at a silly price.

The Economist

So Mr. X would go to an art dealer who had paid a silly price for a painting at an auction in New York, where his main competition had likely been other Japanese dealers.

Forbes

So Mr. X would go to an art dealer who had paid a silly price for a painting at an auction in New York, where his main competition likely had been other Japanese dealers.

Forbes

Let's stop playing these silly pricing games, airlines.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silly prices" to describe situations where prices are not only high but also seem absurd or unjustified in relation to the value or quality of the item or service.

Common error

Avoid using "silly prices" in formal business reports or academic papers. While acceptable in news articles and casual conversation, more formal terms like "excessive costs" or "unjustifiable prices" are better suited for professional communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "silly prices" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "prices". According to Ludwig AI, it is an informal way to describe costs considered too high or excessive. The term adds a subjective judgment, implying the prices are not only high but also unreasonable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "silly prices" is a common and informal way to describe prices that are considered unreasonably high or excessive. Ludwig AI confirms that it's an acceptable phrase in written English, especially in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's best reserved for less formal settings and should be replaced with terms like "exorbitant costs" or "unjustifiable prices" in professional or academic writing. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in expressing disbelief or disapproval of inflated costs across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant costs

Focuses on the level of expensiveness, highlighting how excessive the prices are.

outrageous prices

Emphasizes the shock and indignation caused by the high prices.

excessive charges

Highlights that the prices are beyond what is reasonable or justifiable.

unreasonable costs

Focuses on the lack of justification for the price level.

inflated prices

Suggests that the prices have been artificially increased.

ridiculous prices

Uses a stronger term to convey disbelief at the price level.

preposterous costs

Indicates that the prices are absurd and not worth paying.

unjustifiable prices

Highlights the lack of a fair or logical reason for the high price.

highway robbery

An idiomatic expression indicating that the prices are extremely exploitative.

rip-off prices

Directly implies that the prices are a form of exploitation.

FAQs

How can I use "silly prices" in a sentence?

You might say, "Those concert tickets are selling at "silly prices"!" or "Buyers are no longer offering "silly prices" on average properties."

What does "silly prices" imply about the value of an item?

It suggests that the price is disproportionately high compared to the item's perceived worth, making it seem almost laughable or unreasonable.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "silly prices"?

Consider using alternatives like "exorbitant costs", "outrageous prices", or "unreasonable costs" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "silly prices"?

It is appropriate in informal contexts, news reporting, or when expressing personal opinions about prices that seem absurdly high. Avoid in formal business or academic settings.