very high prices

USAGE SUMMARY

"very high prices" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is expensive. For example: "Due to their luxury materials, designer clothes often come at very high prices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Germany pays very high prices for drugs.

The Economist

They had very high prices".

The Guardian

And yet we are paying very high prices".

The New York Times

"The work of masterpiece quality has fetched very high prices".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Rossi does have a reputation for very high prices.

The New York Times - Arts

He was forced to purchase shares at very high prices.

The New York Times

As a result, producers are asking very high prices to pump their oil.

The New Yorker

"Enterprise software is about few customers, very high prices and long negotiations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A very high price.

The Washington Post

But at a very high price.

The Economist

We have paid a very high price.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "very high prices", consider the context. Is it due to quality, scarcity, or unfair practices? Choose a more specific alternative if appropriate.

Common error

While "very high prices" is acceptable, overuse can make writing seem repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "exorbitant prices" or "prohibitive costs" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very high prices" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a situation where the cost of goods or services is significantly above the average or expected level. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very high prices" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote elevated costs. According to Ludwig, it's versatile and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. While acceptable, varying vocabulary with synonyms enhances writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "very high prices" and its alternatives to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant prices

Emphasizes an extreme level of expensiveness, often suggesting unfairness or exploitation.

steep prices

Suggests that the prices are difficult to afford or justify.

inflated prices

Indicates that prices have been artificially raised, often beyond their true value.

premium prices

Implies that the high cost is associated with superior quality or exclusivity.

prohibitive prices

Highlights that the prices are so high that they prevent many people from buying.

high costs

A more general term that encompasses all expenses, not just those set by a seller.

excessive charges

Focuses on the amount being asked, suggesting it's unreasonable or unjustified.

astronomical prices

Exaggerates the high prices by comparing them to the vastness of space.

sky-high prices

Similar to astronomical, but uses a more grounded visual metaphor.

hefty price tag

Emphasizes the significant amount of money required for purchase.

FAQs

How can I use "very high prices" in a sentence?

You can use "very high prices" to describe products, services, or assets that are considerably expensive. For example, "Due to limited supply, vintage cars often fetch "very high prices" at auction".

What are some alternatives to "very high prices"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exorbitant prices", "steep prices", or "inflated prices" to convey the idea of elevated costs.

Is it correct to say "very high price" instead of "very high prices"?

While "very high price" can be used, it typically refers to the cost of a single item. "Very high prices" is more suitable when discussing costs in general or multiple items.

What makes prices "very high"?

Prices can be considered "very high" due to a combination of factors, including scarcity, high demand, superior quality, or market manipulation. Context is crucial in determining if a price is truly excessive.