that would be expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that would be expensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the cost implications of a suggestion or idea, often in a hypothetical context. Example: "If we decide to hire a private jet for the trip, that would be expensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Veterinarians blamed allergies that would be expensive and time-consuming to investigate.

The New York Times - Style

It could be left open to the public by building a bridge above it, though that would be expensive.

The New York Times

By 2015/16 private companies could be well-entrenched in the NHS with long-term contracts that would be expensive and legally difficult to cancel.

The Guardian

Birthday Boating I am planning my birthday party on a boat, whose charter includes a range of free water activities that would be expensive if booked on their own.

The New York Times

Many of the mixtape songs are raps over other people's hit tracks: samples that would be expensive to use on official albums, where Lil Wayne prefers to use newly made tracks.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the total debt held by the public is now $3.4 trillion, about $800 billion of that is in savings bonds and government securities that would be expensive or impossible to redeem within the next decade.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"There are places that would be less expensive for the taxpayers and less disruptive," said Bloomberg.

The New York Times

She remembers reviewing her options and looking into treatments that would be less expensive.

The New York Times

The mayor said "there are places that would be less expensive for the taxpayers and less disruptive" than New York City.

The New York Times

The restaurants are replicas of the Guatemalan ones, though there is no table service, because that would be too expensive.

The New York Times

However, The Daily Express report that Tottenham aren't looking to spend £25 million on a player that would be an expensive back up to Harry Kane.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that would be expensive", consider the audience and context to determine if a more specific or descriptive term for 'expensive' would be more impactful. For example, specify if it's 'time-consuming', 'labor-intensive', or 'resource-draining'.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "that would be expensive" too frequently in casual conversation. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "that's too pricey" or "that costs an arm and a leg" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would be expensive" functions as a comment or assessment regarding the potential cost of a hypothetical action, plan, or item. It uses a modal verb to express a conditional or possible outcome. Ludwig examples show it’s often used to evaluate alternatives or potential consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that would be expensive" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express concerns about the potential cost of something. Ludwig AI indicates its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to science, with a neutral register. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "that would be financially prohibitive", while casual conversations might benefit from phrases like "that would break the bank". Be mindful of the specific context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and level of detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that would cost a fortune

Emphasizes the high cost using a more figurative expression.

that would be financially prohibitive

Indicates the cost makes the option practically impossible.

that would be quite costly

Uses a more formal tone to express expensiveness.

that would incur significant expenses

A more formal way of stating the incurrence of high costs.

that would break the bank

Suggests the cost is so high it would deplete one's resources.

that comes at a premium

Highlights that the option involves a higher cost than alternatives.

that's a high price to pay

Focuses on the value and sacrifice associated with the cost.

that's an extravagance

Suggests the cost is unnecessary or excessive.

that's beyond our budget

Indicates the cost exceeds available funds.

that would represent a major investment

Frames the cost as a substantial investment, potentially with future returns.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that would be expensive" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "that would be financially prohibitive", "that would incur significant expenses", or "that would represent a major investment".

What's a more casual way to say "that would be expensive"?

For informal situations, consider using expressions such as "that would break the bank", "that's too pricey", or "that costs an arm and a leg".

Is it correct to use "that will be expensive" instead of "that would be expensive"?

Yes, "that will be expensive" is also correct, but it implies a greater certainty about the cost. "That would be expensive" suggests a hypothetical or conditional scenario.

Are there alternatives to "that would be expensive" that focus on value rather than cost?

Yes, you could say "that's a high price to pay", which emphasizes the value or sacrifice involved, or frame it as "that's an extravagance", suggesting the cost is unnecessary.