What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheap
Example
I found a cheap shirt at the thrift store. [cheap: adjective]
Example
He bought a cheap phone because he didn't want to spend too much. [cheap: adjective]
inexpensive
Example
The restaurant offers inexpensive meals that are delicious. [inexpensive: adjective]
Example
She bought an inexpensive laptop that works well for her needs. [inexpensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheap is more commonly used than inexpensive in everyday language. Cheap is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inexpensive is less common and may be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheap and inexpensive?
While cheap is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, inexpensive is slightly more formal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.