way expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "way expensive" is informal but can be used in written English, particularly in casual contexts.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is very expensive, often in conversational or colloquial settings. Example: "I wanted to buy that new phone, but it's way expensive for my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The difference between us and pot growers is all of the stuff designed for pot growers is way expensive.

The New York Times

And Mr. Wurtz's efforts constantly question the way expensive materials and bravura skills affect our experience of art objects by effortlessly demonstrating how to hold our interest while doing without both.

The New York Times - Arts

But she knew she wanted a one-bedroom apartment in a classy new structure for herself and her husband Ms. Matalia said she looked at units — in the same building, and elsewhere — that were "way expensive, like $2,200 a month".

The New York Times

Its approach to imaging departs from the way most text, graphics and images are electronically presented, including the way expensive plasma screens work, as well as cathode-ray tubes, the old workhorses still found in most television sets and desktop computer monitors.

The New York Times - Tech

But then it costs $79, which is way expensive.

TechCrunch

Omega, a Swiss watchmaker whose wares now grace the wrist of James Bond, just started selling online, joining Panerai and others in a move that signals a major change in the way expensive watches are bought.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

New York is way too expensive!

The New York Times

Cheap videos gave way to expensive ones.

The New York Times - Books

It can also be way less expensive.

The Guardian

"That's way too expensive," I exclaimed.

The New York Times - Travel

"The tickets are way too expensive," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "way expensive" in informal settings where a casual tone is appropriate. In formal writing, opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "prohibitively costly" or "excessively high-priced".

Common error

Avoid using "way expensive" in formal documents or presentations where a professional tone is expected. Choose more precise and sophisticated language to convey the high cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "way expensive" functions as an adjectival phrase intensifying the adjective "expensive". Ludwig AI indicates it's acceptable in written English, particularly in casual contexts. It modifies a noun to indicate a high cost.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "way expensive" is an informal adjectival phrase used to emphasize that something is very costly. While grammatically correct and acceptable in casual contexts, Ludwig AI suggests it should be avoided in formal writing where more sophisticated alternatives are preferable. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing between "way expensive" and its more formal counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibitively costly

Replaces "way expensive" with a more formal term suggesting the price makes it impossible to afford.

exorbitantly priced

A more formal way of saying extremely expensive or overpriced.

incredibly overpriced

Highlights the idea that the price is much higher than the item's actual value.

excessively high-priced

Uses more descriptive adjectives to emphasize the inflated cost.

ridiculously expensive

Conveys a sense of absurdity about the high cost.

unreasonably priced

Focuses on the unfairness or lack of justification for the high cost.

outrageously costly

Indicates that the price is shockingly high and perhaps offensive.

astronomically expensive

Emphasizes the extreme and almost unbelievable level of expensiveness.

unjustifiably expensive

Suggests that there is no valid reason for the high price.

over the top pricing

Emphasizes that the pricing goes beyond what is reasonable or expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "way expensive" to emphasize that something is very costly, such as "That new car is "way expensive" for my budget".

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

Instead of "way expensive", consider using phrases like "prohibitively costly", "excessively high-priced", or "unreasonably priced" for a more formal tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "way expensive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although it is considered informal. It's best suited for casual conversations rather than formal writing.

What's the difference between "way expensive" and "very expensive"?

"Way expensive" is more emphatic than "very expensive". It suggests that something is not just expensive, but significantly so. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.