a cover charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cover charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of bars, clubs, or events to refer to a fee that patrons must pay to enter the venue. Example: "Before entering the nightclub, we had to pay a cover charge of $20 each."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's like a museum without a cover charge," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Guests who purchase tables don't pay a cover charge.

The New York Times

There is a more formal restaurant upstairs, but there you'll end up paying a cover charge.

The Guardian - Travel

There's never a cover charge, and a glass of red wine costs just $5.

The New York Times

There is a cover charge of $25 and a two-drink minimum.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a cover charge, from $5 to $8, depending on the attraction.

The New York Times

There is a cover charge of $10 and a two-drink minimum.

The New York Times - Arts

Depending on who is playing, there may be a cover charge.

The New York Times - Travel

The place was called Sturecompagniet, and it had a cover charge.

The New Yorker

Some nightclubs now collect both a cover charge and Red Cross donations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Surrounded by mainstream clubs, the venue attracts indie music lovers with a huge diversity of live acts - all without a cover charge.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events or venues, clarify if "a cover charge" is applicable, the amount, and whether it applies to specific times or days. This helps avoid confusion for potential attendees.

Common error

Don't assume "a cover charge" includes other expenses like drinks or food. Clarify whether it's strictly for entry or if it contributes to a minimum spending requirement inside the venue.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a cover charge" is that of a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a specific type of fee. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts related to entertainment and hospitality venues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Forbes

5%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cover charge" is a common noun phrase referring to an entry fee, particularly at entertainment venues. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news, travel, and arts publications. When using the phrase, it's helpful to clarify the amount and any specific conditions. Alternatives like "entrance fee" or "admission fee" can be used, depending on the context. Be clear about what the "a cover charge" includes, especially if there are additional spending requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Entrance fee

Replaces "charge" with "fee", a common synonym for a cost of admission.

Admission fee

Similar to "entrance fee", emphasizing the act of being admitted to a place.

Entry fee

Shortened version to highlight the fee associated with entry.

Door charge

Focuses on the point of payment being at the entrance.

Entry cost

Uses a more general term, "cost", to refer to the price of entering a venue.

Admission price

Highlights the price one must pay for admission.

Access fee

Emphasizes the fee required to gain access.

Minimum spend

Indicates a minimum amount required to be spent inside the venue, instead of a direct entry fee.

Entrance payment

Describes the payment required for entrance.

Cover

A shortened, more informal version of "cover charge".

FAQs

How is "a cover charge" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "a cover charge" in sentences like: "There is "a cover charge" of $10 after 9 PM," or "The event had "a cover charge" to help pay for the band."

What's another way to say "a cover charge"?

Alternatives to "a cover charge" include "entrance fee", "admission fee", or simply "door charge" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cover charge"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a cover charge" is a common noun phrase referring to a fee to enter a venue or event.

Does "a cover charge" always mean the same thing as a minimum spend?

No, not always. "A cover charge" is usually a fixed fee for entry, while "minimum spend" requires you to spend a certain amount on goods or services inside the venue. They are different but related concepts.