were cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were cheap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was inexpensive in the past. Example: "The shoes I bought last year were cheap, but they still look great."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Because cycles were cheap.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Servers were cheap.

The Economist

The loans were cheap.

The Economist

There were cheap restaurants.

The New Yorker

Taxis were cheap then.

The New Yorker

The drinks were cheap.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We were cheap-shotted and nobody even recognized it.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, talk is cheap.

Harvard University

Neither option was cheap.

University of California, Berkeley

But it is cheap.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is cheap".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were cheap" to directly indicate low cost in past scenarios, but be mindful of potential negative connotations related to quality. Consider alternatives like "were inexpensive" or "were affordable" in more formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "cheap" in professional or academic contexts, where it can sound dismissive or unprofessional. Vary your language with synonyms like "economical", "affordable", or "low-cost" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were cheap" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples, where it modifies nouns such as "servers", "loans", and "restaurants", indicating their low cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

9%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were cheap" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the low cost of something in the past. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse sources, primarily in News & Media. While effective for conveying affordability, "cheap" can sometimes carry negative connotations related to quality; therefore, consider more formal alternatives like "inexpensive" or "economical" in professional settings. Understanding the context and desired tone is crucial for effective communication. Overall, this phrase is a valid way to express past affordability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were inexpensive

Replaces "cheap" with a more formal synonym emphasizing lower cost.

were low-cost

Emphasizes minimal expense using a compound adjective.

were budget-friendly

Highlights the suitability for those with limited funds.

were economically priced

Focuses on the economic advantage of the pricing.

were at a discount

Indicates a reduction from the original price.

were a bargain

Suggests that the items were a good value for the price.

were marked down

Emphasizes that the price had been reduced from a higher amount.

were on sale

Indicates a temporary price reduction event.

were offered at a reduced price

More formally states that a lower price was available.

represented good value

Shifts the focus to the value received for the money spent.

FAQs

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

You can use "were cheap" to describe items, services, or experiences that had a low cost in the past. For example, "The apartments in that neighborhood "were cheap" in the 1990s".

What's a more formal way to say "were cheap"?

Alternatives to "were cheap" that sound more formal include "were inexpensive", "were affordable", or "were economical". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "were cheap" instead of "were inexpensive"?

"Were cheap" is suitable for informal conversations and descriptions where you want to emphasize the low cost. "Were inexpensive" is better for formal writing and professional settings where a more neutral tone is preferred.

Can "were cheap" imply something negative about the quality?

Yes, using "were cheap" can sometimes suggest that the item or service had low quality. Consider using alternatives like "were a good value" or "were reasonably priced" if you want to avoid this negative implication.