a steep bill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep bill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high cost or expense, often implying that the amount is unexpectedly or excessively high. Example: "After the repairs, I was shocked to receive a steep bill that I hadn't budgeted for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The plant is still owned by the Energy Department, which will face a steep bill for decontaminating it and tearing it down.

The New York Times

The city faces a steep bill to expand public transport, upgrade sewers and water systems and repair crumbling civic buildings, roads and bridges.Vancouver's difficulties are mirrored across the country.

The Economist

When rubbed between the thumb and forefinger, as he displayed, Mystic Smoke sends clouds of smoke to rising from one's hand -- good for laughs, perhaps, when being presented with a steep bill.

The New York Times

When rubbed between the thumb and forefinger, as he demonstrated, Mystic Smoke sends clouds of smoke to rising from one's hand -- good for laughs, perhaps, when being presented with a steep bill.

The New York Times

The move, not publicly announced but disclosed by some private money managers, indicates that Chinese officials are eager to counter a rising flight of capital from the country, a worsening slump in real estate prices, a weak stock market and at least a temporary trade deficit caused by a steep bill for oil imports.

The New York Times

The overwhelming reasons for power bills soaring are that fossil fuels are getting more expensive and that two decades of underinvestment by energy companies in the UK's now creaking energy system has left customers with a steep bill to catch up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

After Mr. Kejriwal restored Mr. Ram's electricity supply, the laborer received a steeper bill of  18,000 rupees ($300).

The New York Times

The joint venture structure will allow Cox to dodge a steep tax bill left over from the transaction it made with the media mogul John Malone in 2007 to exchange its interest in Discovery Communications for an interest in the Travel Channel.

The New York Times

The case, United States v. Windsor, concerns a woman in New York, Edith Windsor, who faced a steep tax bill on property she inherited after her same-sex spouse died, which Ms. Windsor would not have to pay if her spouse had been a man.

The New York Times

Most growers stop at 10 lights lest they attract attention with a steep electricity bill.

Forbes

The fine came on top of another steep bill: its $50 million portion of a $512 million payment to settle claims that Sotheby's and Christie's had cheated buyers and sellers in a price-fixing scheme dating back to 1992.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steep bill" when you want to emphasize that the cost is unexpectedly high or burdensome. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep bill" when referring to gradual increases in cost over time. This phrase is most effective when describing a single, surprisingly large expense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep bill" functions as a noun phrase, with "steep" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "bill". Ludwig examples show it describing unexpectedly high costs, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a steep bill" is a noun phrase used to describe a cost or expense that is surprisingly high. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While "a steep bill" is not overly common, it effectively communicates a sense of financial burden. When using the phrase, consider whether it accurately reflects an unexpected or excessive expense. Alternative phrases like "a hefty invoice" or "an exorbitant fee" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hefty invoice

Replaces "steep" with "hefty" to emphasize the substantial amount of the bill.

a substantial charge

Similar to "hefty invoice" but more general.

a large expense

Focuses on the cost aspect rather than the specific document.

an exorbitant fee

Highlights the excessive nature of the charge.

a considerable cost

Emphasizes the significant financial burden.

a significant financial burden

Focuses on the impact of the cost.

a costly outlay

Emphasizes the money spent.

an inflated price

Suggests the price is higher than expected or justified.

a painful expense

Highlights the unpleasantness of paying a large bill.

a high tariff

Implies a specific charge or tax.

FAQs

What does "a steep bill" mean?

The phrase "a steep bill" refers to a cost or expense that is surprisingly high or excessive.

How can I use "a steep bill" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the repairs, I was shocked to receive "a steep bill" that I hadn't budgeted for."

What can I say instead of "a steep bill"?

You can use alternatives like "a hefty invoice", "a large expense", or "an exorbitant fee" depending on the context.

Is "a steep bill" formal or informal?

"A steep bill" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.