too expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too expensive" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is priced higher than what is reasonable or affordable. Example: The prices at that restaurant are just too expensive for a casual dinner. In this sentence, "too expensive" is used to express that the prices at the restaurant are too high for a casual dinner, implying that they are not reasonable or affordable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was too expensive".

The New York Times

Tickets are too expensive.

The New Yorker

It's just too expensive".

The New York Times

"Too expensive," he said.

The New Yorker

They're just too expensive.

Independent

Smartphones are too expensive!

The New Yorker

Also, too expensive.

The New Yorker

"Taxis are too expensive.

The New York Times

Something not too expensive.

The New Yorker

They're too expensive.

The Guardian - Opinion

It got too expensive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience's perspective; "too expensive" is subjective and depends on their financial situation. Be specific about what makes it so, such as comparing it to alternatives.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "too expensive" without providing context. Instead, explain why it is so, perhaps by comparing its price to similar items or outlining the specific budgetary constraints that make it unaffordable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too expensive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the cost exceeds an acceptable or affordable limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and common occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "too expensive" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something's price exceeds affordability or perceived value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears very frequently across diverse sources, notably in News & Media. While versatile, it's best used with context explaining why something is "too expensive" for clarity. Alternatives include "prohibitively priced" or "unaffordable", depending on the desired formality. When employing "too expensive", consider your audience's financial perspective and offer specific reasons for your assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaffordable

Directly states that something is beyond one's financial means.

not within my means

A formal expression indicating that something is not affordable.

beyond my budget

Indicates something exceeds one's spending limit.

overpriced

Suggests the price is higher than the item's value warrants.

excessively costly

Highlights that the cost is beyond what is reasonable or acceptable.

prohibitively priced

Emphasizes that the price makes purchase impossible for many.

out of reach financially

Indicates that something is impossible to buy due to financial constraints.

cost an arm and a leg

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme cost.

unreasonably high

Focuses on the lack of justification for the high price.

a bit steep

Informal way to say something's price is higher than expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "too expensive" to express that something costs more than you are willing or able to pay. For example, "The car was beautiful, but it was "too expensive" for my budget".

What's a more formal way to say "too expensive"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "prohibitively priced", "unaffordable", or "excessively costly". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing where a more refined tone is desired.

Which is correct: "too expensive" or "very expensive"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Very expensive" simply indicates a high price, while "too expensive" suggests the price is beyond what is reasonable or affordable for a specific person or purpose.

What can I say instead of "That's too expensive"?

You can use alternatives like "That's "beyond my budget"", "That's "out of my price range"", or "That's "more than I can afford"" to express the same sentiment.