a hefty charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or large fee or cost associated with a service or product. Example: "The hotel imposed a hefty charge for late check-out, which surprised many guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The deal has been delayed amid doubts over whether Shire could include cash without facing a hefty charge.

The Guardian - Business

While the plans typically don't charge a fee for payments made by check or direct deposit, they tack on a hefty charge for credit card payments.

The New York Times

That is a hefty charge given the poverty of its inhabitants, especially so when compared with the norms in the countryside.

The Economist

Revenue fell 11 percent to $7.35 billion, and earnings per share plunged 38 percent, in part because of a hefty charge for restructuring.

The New York Times

If you want to go - and there is a hefty charge by Westminster eForum to do so - you can book here.

The Guardian

Such a hefty charge simply to keep the lights on used to be easily glossed over when copper-bottomed investments yielded three times that; it is harder to defend at a time of rock-bottom interest rates.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Now small companies, newly empowered with IT, can bypass the middlemen who used to charge a hefty commission to supply what essentially was information.

Forbes

Now small companies, newly empowered with IT, can bypass the countless middlemen who used to charge a hefty commission to supply what essentially was information.

Forbes

But at least, unlike your undergraduate education, failure doesn't come with a hefty tuition charge.

The New Yorker

Arriving at the door, where there was a crowd of Brazilians waiting, I prepared myself for a hefty cover charge.

The New York Times - Travel

Several years ago London instituted a hefty "congestion charge" for traditional vehicles entering the city center; hybrids and electric cars were exempt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hefty charge", ensure the context clearly indicates what the charge is for and why it is considered significant. Be specific about the service, product, or situation that incurs the charge to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a hefty charge" as a generic descriptor for any fee. The term implies a charge that is notably large or burdensome, so reserve it for situations where the cost is genuinely significant in relation to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty charge" functions as a noun phrase where "hefty" modifies the noun "charge". As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase describes a fee or cost that is significant or large. It typically serves to highlight the substantial nature of the cost.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science & Research

1%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty charge" is a common phrase used to describe a significant or large fee or cost, particularly in news and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase is employed to emphasize the substantial nature and often the negative impact of the charge. When writing, ensure that the charge is genuinely significant to justify using this phrase, and be clear about what the charge is for. Alternatives such as "a substantial fee" or "a significant cost" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial fee

Replaces "hefty" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount.

a significant cost

Substitutes both "hefty" and "charge" with synonyms, altering the phrase's overall tone.

a large expense

Similar to "significant cost" but emphasizes the financial burden.

a considerable levy

Uses a more formal term, "levy", for "charge", increasing the formality.

a sizable payment

Replaces "charge" with the broader term "payment", focusing on the act of paying.

an exorbitant amount

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the charge, making it seem unfairly high.

a steep price

Implies the charge is higher than expected or reasonable.

a high tariff

Specifically refers to taxes or duties, narrowing the context.

a premium fee

Suggests the charge is for a higher quality service or product.

a costly imposition

Highlights the burden or unfairness of the charge.

FAQs

How can I use "a hefty charge" in a sentence?

You can use "a hefty charge" to describe a significant fee or cost. For example: "The company incurred "a hefty charge" due to regulatory fines."

What are some alternatives to "a hefty charge"?

Alternatives include "a substantial fee", "a significant cost", or "a large expense", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a hefty charge" instead of "a large charge"?

"A hefty charge" implies not just a large amount, but also a sense of burden or impact. Use it when you want to emphasize the negative consequences or the unexpected nature of the cost, which is not always the case with just "a large charge".

Is "a hefty charge" formal or informal?

While not overly formal, "a hefty charge" is suitable for professional and neutral contexts like news reports or business communications. It strikes a balance between conveying seriousness and maintaining clarity.