was cheaper than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cheaper than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the cost of one item or service to another, indicating that the first is less expensive. Example: "The new model was cheaper than the previous version, making it more appealing to budget-conscious consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was cheaper than renting," he said.

The New York Times

Well, that was cheaper than flying.

The New Yorker

Location: Florida was cheaper than California.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was cheaper than the studio he liked.

The New York Times

Back then, diesel fuel was cheaper than gasoline.

The New York Times

"It was cheaper than my apartment," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, even taking it down to the steel was cheaper than tearing down and building anew.

The New York Times

Eastmancolor did not require special camera or processing equipment and was cheaper than Technicolor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Measured by the cost per year of healthy life saved it was cheaper than childhood immunisation.

The Economist

But Mr. Lhota said the current arrangement was cheaper than building a new facility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Valentine said he only opted for the settlement because it was cheaper than litigation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing prices, be specific about what you're comparing. For instance, instead of saying "it was cheaper than", specify "the generic brand was cheaper than the name brand".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what is being compared. Saying "it was cheaper" without context leaves the audience wondering what the reference point is. Always provide a direct comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cheaper than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that the cost or price of one thing is lower than that of another. This function is evident across numerous examples found by Ludwig, showcasing comparisons in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was cheaper than" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has a lower price compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and general conversation. While alternatives like "cost less than" exist, "was cheaper than" remains a straightforward and widely understood option. When using it, be sure to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity and ensure your comparison is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cost less than

Focuses on the action of costing, emphasizing the amount of money required.

was more affordable than

Highlights the accessibility of the cheaper option in relation to someone's budget.

was a better value than

Emphasizes the perceived benefits received for the price paid, not just the price itself.

was lower in price than

Directly states the difference in price levels between the two items.

was economically superior to

Highlights the cost-effectiveness compared with other opportunities.

represented a saving over

Focuses on the act of saving money by choosing the less expensive option.

had a reduced price compared to

Implies the price was intentionally lowered, possibly due to a sale or promotion.

was a bargain compared to

Suggests that the price difference was significant, making it an exceptionally good deal.

was more economical than

Focuses on the efficient use of resources, not just the monetary cost.

was less dear than

Uses a slightly archaic term for 'expensive' to convey the price difference.

FAQs

How can I use "was cheaper than" in a sentence?

Use "was cheaper than" to compare the prices of two items or services. For example, "The train ticket "was cheaper than" flying" indicates that the train fare cost less money.

What can I say instead of "was cheaper than"?

Alternatives include "cost less than", "was more affordable than", or "was a better value than", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was more cheap than"?

No, "was more cheap than" is grammatically incorrect. The correct comparative form is "was cheaper than". Using "more" with "cheap" is redundant since "cheaper" already expresses the comparative.

What's the difference between "was cheaper than" and "was less expensive than"?

"Was cheaper than" and "was less expensive than" are largely interchangeable. However, "was less expensive than" may sound slightly more formal or emphasize the absolute cost, while "was cheaper than" is more common and direct.