expensive item
Costly thing
Use this phrase to clearly identify any physical product that costs a significant amount of money.
En 15 segundos
- Refers to any product that has a high price tag.
- Commonly used in shopping, insurance, and household organization contexts.
- A neutral and clear way to describe luxury or costly goods.
Significado
This phrase describes something that costs a lot of money. It is a simple way to talk about products that are not cheap or budget-friendly.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Shopping for electronics
A high-end gaming laptop is a very expensive item.
A high-end gaming laptop is a very expensive item.
Filling out an insurance form
Please list every expensive item in your living room.
Please list every expensive item in your living room.
Texting a friend about a gift
I want to buy her a watch, but it's such an expensive item!
I want to buy her a watch, but it's such an expensive item!
Contexto cultural
The term reflects a consumer-focused culture where products are categorized by their market value. In Western retail, 'item' is a standard inventory term that became part of everyday speech to sound more organized or formal. It is often used in insurance and logistics to distinguish high-value assets from everyday belongings.
The 'Item' Secret
Using the word `item` makes you sound more organized and objective. It’s better than saying 'expensive thing' in a store.
Don't be Rude
Avoid pointing at someone's clothes and saying 'that's an expensive item' unless you are very close friends. It can sound like you are judging their spending.
En 15 segundos
- Refers to any product that has a high price tag.
- Commonly used in shopping, insurance, and household organization contexts.
- A neutral and clear way to describe luxury or costly goods.
What It Means
An expensive item is simply something with a high price tag. Think of a diamond ring or a luxury sports car. It is a very direct way to describe value. You are telling people that buying this will hurt their wallet! It is a basic but essential building block for English.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a noun. You can put it at the start or end of a sentence. Use it when you want to be clear about cost. It works well when comparing two different things. For example, a laptop is an expensive item compared to a mouse. It sounds natural and very easy to understand.
When To Use It
Use it when shopping at a mall with friends. It is great for insurance forms or moving house lists. Use it when talking to a salesperson about your budget. It fits perfectly in a business meeting about inventory. It is also useful when warning a child to be careful with a gift. Basically, if it costs more than a nice dinner, it qualifies!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for people or feelings. You cannot call a person an expensive item. That would be very rude or weird! Also, avoid it for small daily costs like a cup of coffee. Even if the coffee is five dollars, it is just 'pricey'. Using item makes it sound like a physical product or a piece of property. Don't use it for services like a haircut either.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we often use 'item' to sound more objective. It sounds like you are looking at a list or a catalog. In places like the US or UK, people might avoid saying 'rich' or 'wealthy'. Instead, they talk about the things they buy. Owning an expensive item is often a status symbol. It shows you have worked hard or have good taste.
Common Variations
You might hear people say big-ticket item for very high prices. Some might say luxury good in a fancy store. If you are being casual, you might say pricey thing. However, expensive item is the most 'standard' version. It is the safe choice for any situation. You will never sound wrong using it!
Notas de uso
This is a neutral collocation suitable for both casual and professional settings. It specifically refers to physical goods rather than services or experiences.
The 'Item' Secret
Using the word `item` makes you sound more organized and objective. It’s better than saying 'expensive thing' in a store.
Don't be Rude
Avoid pointing at someone's clothes and saying 'that's an expensive item' unless you are very close friends. It can sound like you are judging their spending.
The Big Ticket
In the US, people often say `big-ticket item` for things like fridges or cars. It comes from the large price tags used in old department stores!
Ejemplos
6A high-end gaming laptop is a very expensive item.
A high-end gaming laptop is a very expensive item.
Used to categorize a product by its price category.
Please list every expensive item in your living room.
Please list every expensive item in your living room.
Formal use for documentation and safety.
I want to buy her a watch, but it's such an expensive item!
I want to buy her a watch, but it's such an expensive item!
Expressing hesitation due to the cost.
I shouldn't even look at this expensive item; my bank account is crying.
I shouldn't even look at this expensive item; my bank account is crying.
Humorous personification of a bank account.
That necklace was the most expensive item she owned.
That necklace was the most expensive item she owned.
Highlighting the value of a sentimental object.
We need to track every expensive item in the warehouse.
We need to track every expensive item in the warehouse.
Focusing on asset management.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a luxury car.
A Ferrari is a very ___ item.
A Ferrari is famous for having a very high price, making it 'expensive'.
Complete the sentence regarding home safety.
Keep your most expensive ___ in a locked safe.
We use the plural 'items' when referring to multiple valuable things.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Expensive Item'
Using 'pricey thing' with friends.
That's a pricey thing!
Standard use in most conversations.
This is an expensive item.
Using 'high-value asset' in legal docs.
The asset is of high value.
Where to use 'Expensive Item'
Jewelry Store
Looking at rings.
Moving House
Labeling boxes.
Tech Shop
Buying a computer.
Insurance
Protecting belongings.
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntasIt refers to a physical object that costs a lot of money. For example, A gold watch is an expensive item.
No, it is only for objects. Calling a person an item is confusing or slightly insulting.
Yes, it is very professional. You might say, We need to approve the purchase of this expensive item.
Pricey is more informal and often used for smaller things. Expensive is more standard and can apply to anything high-cost.
Yes, item sounds more specific and professional. Thing is very casual and sometimes sounds vague.
It depends on the person! Usually, if it requires saving money or careful thought, it is an expensive item.
Only if you are talking about a specific packaged product, like a rare truffle. For a meal, just say an expensive meal.
You can use costly product or high-priced object. Both mean almost the same thing.
Yes, it is used globally in English. It is understood in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada.
Use an because expensive starts with a vowel sound. For example: That is an expensive item.
Yes, adding very is a common way to emphasize that the price is extremely high.
Frases relacionadas
Big-ticket item
An expensive major purchase like a car or appliance.
Luxury good
A high-quality, expensive product that isn't a necessity.
Pricey
An informal way to say something costs a lot.
High-end
Refers to products that are the most expensive in their category.
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