be expensive

/biː ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/
verb phraseBeginner
formalinformal

To cost a lot of money; to have a high price.

This car is too expensive for me to buy right now.

The hotel was expensive, so we decided to stay somewhere else.

💡

This phrase is commonly used to describe the cost of goods, services, or experiences.

Collocations

be too expensiveTo cost more than one is willing or able to pay.be reasonably expensiveTo cost a moderate amount, not excessively high.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

cost a fortunephrase
To be extremely expensive.
break the bankidiom
To cost so much that it would deplete one's financial resources.

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The phrase 'be expensive' is often used to express personal opinions about cost. For example, 'This restaurant is expensive' implies that the speaker thinks the prices are high.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'be expensive' is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Instead, use more precise terms like 'costly' or 'high-priced' in professional contexts.

📖Word Origin

The phrase 'be expensive' combines the verb 'to be' with the adjective 'expensive', which comes from the Latin 'expensum', meaning 'cost' or 'expenditure'.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used to express opinions about the cost of something.

Word Breakdown

be
A verb used to indicate a state or condition.
root
+
expensive
Costing a lot of money; costly.
adjective
English Dictionary