What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dear
Example
My dear friend, I miss you so much. [dear: adjective]
Example
This book is very dear to me because it was a gift from my grandmother. [dear: adjective]
Example
The price of gas has become dearer in recent months. [dearer: comparative form]
expensive
Example
That designer handbag is too expensive for me. [expensive: adjective]
Example
The cost of living in this city is very expensive. [expensive: adjective]
Example
Fine dining can be quite expensive, but the experience is worth it. [expensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expensive is more commonly used than dear in everyday language. Expensive is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while dear is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dear and expensive?
Both dear and expensive can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, dear may be more appropriate in personal or emotional contexts, while expensive may be more appropriate in professional or business contexts.
