steep price

USAGE SUMMARY

"steep price" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a price that is considered to be high or expensive. For example, "I decided not to buy the diamond ring because the steep price was too much for my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consumers fear steep price hikes.

The Economist

Steep price hikes.

The Washington Post

It all comes at a steep price.

The New York Times

A steep price, actually, all things considered.

The New Yorker

These successes came at a steep price.

The New York Times

Consciousness has a steep price.

The New York Times - Style

But compliance came at a steep price.

The New York Times - Health

"Whew, that's a steep price," he said.

The New York Times

Such contortions came at a steep price.

The New Yorker

It was just a really steep price".

The Guardian - Sport

Customers have paid a steep price, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of using the phrase "steep price". It often implies a sense of burden or unfairness. Use it judiciously to evoke the desired response in your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "steep price" exclusively for financial contexts if you intend to convey a broader range of consequences. For non-financial costs, consider more specific alternatives like "heavy toll" or "significant sacrifice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep price" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a cost or consequence that is considered high or excessive. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep price" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a high cost, consequence, or sacrifice. As indicated by Ludwig AI and supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. It serves to express concern or highlight the burden associated with something, whether monetary or abstract. While versatile, it is essential to ensure clarity and consider the emotional impact of using the phrase. Related alternatives include ""high cost"" and ""heavy toll"", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high cost

This alternative is more general and can refer to expenses beyond monetary value.

expensive rate

This alternative focuses on the cost being charged, especially in services or utilities.

exorbitant fee

This alternative suggests the price is much higher than what is reasonable or justifiable.

considerable expense

This alternative emphasizes the amount of money spent, often in a formal or business context.

heavy toll

This alternative can refer to a financial cost, but it is often used to describe a negative impact or consequence in a broader sense.

premium charge

This alternative often implies a higher price for superior quality or exclusive access.

significant investment

This alternative is used when referring to a large amount of money spent with the expectation of future returns.

substantial outlay

This alternative denotes a significant amount of money spent at one time, usually in a business or investment context.

punitive costs

This alternative suggests that the price is intentionally high, often as a penalty or deterrent.

demanding price tag

This alternative highlights the asking price as something that may be difficult for the customer to afford.

FAQs

What does "steep price" mean?

The phrase "steep price" refers to a cost, consequence, or sacrifice that is considered excessively high or difficult to bear. It can apply to monetary costs as well as abstract concepts such as freedom or health.

How can I use "steep price" in a sentence?

You can use "steep price" in sentences like: "The new technology comes at a "steep price"", or "Achieving success often demands paying a "steep price" in terms of time and effort".

What can I say instead of "steep price"?

You can use alternatives like "high cost", "exorbitant fee", or "heavy toll" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the price is steep"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the price is steep". It conveys the same meaning as ""steep price"", emphasizing that the cost is high.