All this crap was expensive vs Trash

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

All this crap was expensive

InformalTop 3,000 (common)

Trash

Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Most formal: TrashMost common: Trash
 All this crap was expensiveTrash
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɔːl ðɪs kræp wəz ɪkˈspɛnsɪv//🇺🇸 //ɔl ðɪs kræp wəz ɪkˈspɛnsɪv//🇬🇧 /["/træʃ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/træʃ/"]/
MeaningEverything here was very costly.Items that are no longer wanted or useful.
ExampleAll this crap was expensive, but it broke quickly.Don't forget to take out the trash.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A2
Part of speechnoun
Collocationscostly crap, expensive junk, all this nonsense, pointless stuff, overpriced trashdump, empty, throw away, bin, can, bag, gutter, street, trailer
Antonyms-treasure
Common mistakesUsing 'crap' in formal writing., Confusing 'crap' with 'stuff' - 'crap' is more negative., Saying 'all these crap' instead of 'all this crap'.Confused with 'rubbish' in British English., Using 'trash' as a verb incorrectly; it’s only a noun in this context., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'I need to trash' instead of 'I need to trash this.'
Usage notesUse 'crap' in casual conversations to express frustration or disappointment. Avoid in formal settings as it's a vulgar term.Used in everyday conversations about waste or things that are no longer useful. Not appropriate in formal writing.

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All this crap was expensive

Frequently asked questions: All this crap was expensive vs Trash

What's the difference between All this crap was expensive and Trash?

All this crap was expensive: Everything here was very costly. Trash: Items that are no longer wanted or useful.

Which is more formal: All this crap was expensive and Trash?

Trash is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: All this crap was expensive and Trash?

Trash is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

All this crap was expensive: All this crap was expensive, but it broke quickly. Trash: Don't forget to take out the trash.

Can I use All this crap was expensive and Trash interchangeably?

Not always. All this crap was expensive and Trash are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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