substantially more expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially more expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the costs of two or more items, indicating that one is significantly higher in price than the other. Example: "The new model of the smartphone is substantially more expensive than its predecessor, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they are substantially more expensive.

The New York Times

Almost all are substantially more expensive than traditional bank loans, which is why they have been sources of last resort.

The New York Times

On average, private colleges and top state universities are substantially more expensive than community colleges, even with financial aid.

The New York Times

But many of these methods are substantially more expensive than traditional bank loans, The New York Times writes.

The New York Times

These cascades have made it substantially more expensive for middle-class families to achieve basic financial goals.

The New York Times

The programs offered at the for-profits schools were substantially more expensive than comparable programs at nearby public colleges.

The New York Times

But Mr. Gore's plan, like Mr. Bush's, would make it substantially more expensive for those who want to stay with traditional Medicare.

The New York Times

As a practical matter, letting people opt out if they don't feel like buying insurance would make insurance substantially more expensive for everyone else.

The New York Times

Particularly in the case of health care, it has become substantially more expensive for individuals with both public and private insurance to purchase the same level of care.

The New York Times

Closing the development gap — the only way to avoid a Sisyphean state of rich-poor patronage, the authors argue — and removing the additional vulnerabilities to climate change are going to be substantially more expensive.

The New York Times

However, hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on marketing the newer drug in the US, where it is substantially more expensive, helping it become one of the biggest-selling drugs in the world.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "substantially more expensive" with specific figures to quantify the price gap, enhancing clarity and impact. For instance, 'The upgraded version is "substantially more expensive", costing 30% more than the base model.'

Common error

Avoid using "substantially more expensive" when the price difference is marginal. Reserve it for cases where the cost disparity is genuinely significant to maintain credibility and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially more expensive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that its cost is significantly higher compared to something else. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantially more expensive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that denotes a significant price difference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. As shown in the many examples provided, its primary function is to highlight a notable cost disparity, influencing decisions and conveying information about affordability. While versatile in register, it maintains a neutral to professional tone and is particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where the price gap is truly substantial to maintain accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly costlier

Focuses on the cost aspect with a sense of importance.

considerably pricier

Emphasizes the price, suggesting a noticeable difference.

noticeably dearer

Highlights the increased cost in a way that is easily observed.

markedly higher in price

Directly indicates a clear and distinct increase in price.

appreciably more costly

Implies the difference in cost is worth considering.

substantially greater expense

Shifts the focus to the overall expense rather than just the price.

considerably more valuable

Highlights the worth in a way that signifies an important distinction.

far more exorbitant

Conveys the sense of excessive cost increase.

prohibitively expensive

Emphasizes the fact that the cost is so high as to prevent purchase.

vastly more uneconomical

Focuses on efficiency and the lack of cost savings, emphasizing that it's not economical.

FAQs

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

Use "substantially more expensive" to indicate a significant price difference between two items or services. For example, "Organic produce is often "substantially more expensive" than conventionally grown alternatives."

What are some alternatives to "substantially more expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly costlier", "considerably pricier", or "noticeably dearer" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "substantially more expensive" instead of "more expensive"?

"Substantially more expensive" should be used when the price difference is significant and noteworthy. Simply using "more expensive" might not convey the magnitude of the cost difference as effectively.

Is "substantially more expensive" formal or informal?

"Substantially more expensive" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice. However, consider your audience and choose alternatives if a more nuanced tone is required.