Cheap and cheaper: English level: A2 and higher
Many students have a problem when using the terms price and cost with the word cheap. Using cheap or cheaper with price is incorrect. Using cheap with costs is not strictly wrong, but it sounds unpleasant to my ear.
Here are some real examples of what I saw and heard this week.
“The company can offer the products at a cheaper price than the competitors.”
The student should have written: “The company can offer the products at a lower price than the competitors.”
“The price is very cheap.”
The student should have written: “The price is very low.” or “It is cheap.”
“Cheaper costs are the key competitive advantage for Asian manufacturers.”
A better way to write this, in my opinion, would be: “Lower costs are the key competitive advantage for Asian manufacturers.”
“Cheap cost production is essential to maintain profitability.”
A better way to write this would be: Low-cost production is essential to maintain profitability.”
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