terribly expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"terribly expensive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when referring to something that is extraordinarily expensive. For example, "The repairs on our car were terribly expensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Check out this roundup of some of the Bay Area's terribly expensive terrible living situations.

The Guardian

Tubes are not terribly expensive, but it will be an annual expense (depending on how much you use it).

WikiHow

Nor is it terribly expensive.

The New York Times

"But it's terribly expensive," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"He wasn't terribly expensive," Scudamore says.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were terribly expensive," she recalled.

The New York Times - Style

But that system has been terribly expensive for taxpayers.

The New York Times

The food is great and not terribly expensive.

The New York Times - Food

These devices are easy to use and not terribly expensive.

The New York Times

The administration asserts that new operas are terribly expensive.

The New York Times - Arts

Though stylish, it is neither elitist nor terribly expensive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly expensive" when you want to emphasize the high cost of something, especially when it's unexpectedly or excessively so. For instance, "The unexpected medical bills were terribly expensive."

Common error

Avoid using "terribly expensive" in every situation where you want to describe something costly. Vary your language to maintain reader interest and avoid sounding repetitive. Alternatives like "prohibitively priced" or "astronomically high" can offer nuance and prevent overuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly expensive" primarily functions as an adjective phrase used to modify nouns. It intensifies the degree to which something is expensive, indicating a cost that is significantly higher than expected or desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly expensive" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that emphasizes the high cost of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is prevalent in news and media, but also appears in wiki and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives such as "extremely costly" or "prohibitively priced". The phrase is best used when the cost is surprisingly or unpleasantly high, conveying a negative sentiment or concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extremely costly

Replaces "terribly" with "extremely" for a slightly more formal tone.

Prohibitively priced

Emphasizes that the price is so high it prevents purchase or use.

Exorbitantly priced

Conveys that the price exceeds what is reasonable or fair.

Astronomically high

Uses "astronomically" to illustrate the extreme degree of cost.

Ridiculously expensive

Indicates that the price is absurdly high.

Unreasonably expensive

Suggests that the price is not justified.

Incredibly overpriced

Highlights that the item or service is not worth the high price.

Costs a fortune

An idiomatic expression indicating very high cost.

At a premium

Implies a high price due to exclusivity or superior quality (or perceived superiority).

Carries a high price tag

Focuses on the visual aspect of the price being prominently displayed and high.

FAQs

How can I use "terribly expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "terribly expensive" to describe something that costs a lot more than expected or is generally very costly. For example, "Renovating the old house turned out to be terribly expensive."

What are some alternatives to saying "terribly expensive"?

Alternatives include "extremely costly", "prohibitively priced", or "astronomically high", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "very expensive" or "terribly expensive"?

"Terribly expensive" is more emphatic than "very expensive", suggesting a higher degree of expensiveness. Use "terribly" to add more impact when the cost is surprisingly or exceptionally high.

What makes something "terribly expensive" compared to just "expensive"?

The word "terribly" intensifies the adjective "expensive", indicating that the cost is not just high, but surprisingly or unpleasantly so. It implies a significant financial burden or a cost that exceeds reasonable expectations.