very cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very cheap" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is very inexpensive, for example, "This laptop is very cheap compared to similar models."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very cheap.

The New Yorker

Very cheap… free!

The New York Times

"How much?" "Very cheap.

The New Yorker

It was very cheap".

The New Yorker

He's very cheap.

The New Yorker

On the very cheap.

The New York Times - Travel

"Very cheap factories".

The New York Times - Magazine

And potentially very cheap".

The New York Times - Magazine

First, it's very cheap.

The Guardian

"Berlin was very cheap.

The New Yorker

Very cheap materials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing products or services, use "very cheap" to highlight affordability, but consider using more specific terms like "budget-friendly" or "economical" to convey value and quality.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, avoid relying solely on "very cheap". Opt for alternatives like "cost-effective" or "economical" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "very cheap" is as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing the low cost or price of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and commonly encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very cheap" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something inexpensive. As identified by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While "very cheap" effectively conveys affordability, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise or formal alternatives like "economical" or "budget-friendly" when appropriate. The phrase's broad applicability makes it a useful addition to one's vocabulary, but thoughtful consideration of its connotations is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely inexpensive

Emphasizes the low cost more strongly than "very cheap".

remarkably affordable

Highlights the accessibility in terms of price.

surprisingly low-cost

Indicates an unexpected element of cheapness.

dirt cheap

An informal way to say that something is extremely inexpensive.

budget-friendly

Focuses on being suitable for people with limited funds.

economical

Highlights the value for money aspect.

cheap as chips

British slang for something that is very inexpensive.

a steal

Implies that something is underpriced and a good deal.

low-priced

A straightforward way of saying that something has a low price.

at a bargain price

Focuses on the advantage of getting something at a lower price than usual.

FAQs

How can I use "very cheap" in a sentence?

You can use "very cheap" to describe items or services that cost little money, such as, "This phone is "very cheap" compared to other smartphones".

What are some alternatives to saying "very cheap"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extremely inexpensive", "remarkably affordable", or "budget-friendly" instead of "very cheap".

Is it okay to use "very cheap" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "very cheap" might sound informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "cost-effective" or "economical".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "very cheap"?

The phrase "very cheap" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has a significantly low price, often lower than expected. However, be aware that it can sometimes imply low quality. Context is crucial.