way more expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

'way more expensive' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is significantly more expensive than expected. Example: "I thought the dress would be expensive, but it was way more expensive than I imagined."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase "way more expensive" is frequently used in News & Media to describe unexpected or higher costs.

It is also present in Academia and Science articles

The phrase has a broad application across various domains due to its versatility in conveying cost-related concerns.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Is it just me or is designer fashion suddenly way more expensive?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A colleague recently rented an apartment in Park Slope that is "way more expensive and way smaller," she said.

The New York Times

I give credit to the director and production team for pulling it off and making the show look way more expensive than it really is.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Studying in the US is way more expensive than the UK equivalent, but it was the best decision I ever made.

The Guardian

"This is never going to approach hitting the mainstream if it is way more expensive than what we currently eat," he says.

The Guardian

"They confirm my concerns that it was going to be way more expensive than we were told last year," Mr. Lott said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Those costs rose with numbing regularity in a flush economy, but they are now, in most ways, more expensive and, more than ever, less affordable.

The New York Times - Sports

The farther our food has to travel to get from the farm into our kitchens, and the more stops it has to make along the way, the more expensive it becomes and the more vulnerable we all are.

The New York Times

Instead, the bill simply requires that Medicare cover the consultation in the same way other (more expensive) medical procedures are covered.

Los Angeles Times

As a beginner, it's a good idea to start with cheaper items and work your way onto more expensive pieces when you've gained confidence.

WikiHow

A. There are at least a couple of ways to link the Web to your hand-held computer, and some ways are more expensive than others.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "way more expensive" to express a surprising or unexpected increase in cost. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the degree to which something's price exceeds expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "way more expensive" in highly formal or academic writing. While perfectly acceptable in general, it can sound too informal for certain contexts. Opt for phrases like "significantly costlier" or "substantially higher in price" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "way more expensive" functions as an adverbial phrase intensifying the adjective "expensive." It modifies the adjective, indicating a higher degree of cost, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "way more expensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something costs significantly more than anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for neutral to informal contexts, such as news articles, blog posts, and everyday conversations. However, it may be less appropriate for formal academic or business writing where phrases like "significantly costlier" might be preferable. It's crucial to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use "way more expensive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lot more costly

Uses simpler language to express a similar degree of expensiveness.

considerably pricier

Emphasizes the higher price point using a more formal tone.

significantly costlier

Highlights the increased cost, suitable for formal contexts.

noticeably more expensive

Indicates that the increase in price is easily observed.

substantially higher in price

Focuses on the price aspect with a more descriptive approach.

markedly more expensive

Suggests that the difference in price is quite prominent.

prohibitively expensive

Implies that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or participation.

surprisingly expensive

Emphasizes an unexpected level of high cost.

unreasonably expensive

Suggests that the price is higher than what is justified.

excessively priced

Indicates that the item is overvalued in terms of price.

FAQs

What does "way more expensive" mean?

It means that something costs significantly more than what was expected or previously cost.

When is it appropriate to use "way more expensive"?

It's appropriate in informal and neutral contexts, like everyday conversations, blog posts, or news articles. Avoid using it in highly formal academic or business writing.

Are there any alternatives to "way more expensive"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "considerably pricier", "significantly costlier", or "substantially higher in price" depending on the context.

Is "way more expensive" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. Ludwig AI also confirms this.