back fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to payments or charges that are owed from a previous period or transaction. Example: "The landlord informed me that I need to pay a back fee for the months I missed rent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has also encouraged existing schools to specialise in particular subjects, again with private sponsorship: two-thirds have done so.Initial results have been encouraging, but not conclusive and certainly not enough to bring back fee-paying pupils.

The Economist

Mr. Finn said he had offered to write a personal check for any back fees and penalties.

The New York Times

I owed three thousand dollars in back fees, and therefore couldn't register for the upcoming year.

The New Yorker

Their aim is to claw back fees that they hope could amount to as much as £120m a year.

The Guardian

Serious consideration should be given to claiming back fees paid for shoddy advice which has left the client - the taxpayer - out of pocket".

Independent

The ministers believe it is fairer than the current system because graduates would start paying back fees when they earned £21,000 rather than £15,000.

The Guardian

After completing the course participants must stay with the NHS for two years or pay back fees if they leave early.

The Guardian

It will consider the pursuit of "finder's fees" from non-competitive deals in which state pension business is awarded to New York investment houses, which kick back fees to the official's allies.

The New York Times

There also could be heavy tax consequences for lenders, both in terms of federal income taxes and in payment of back fees for mortgage registrations to local governments across the country.

The New York Times

The case was immediately hailed by The Alzheimer's Society, which said it could pave the way for many other families to claw back fees they have had to pay for relatives.

The Guardian - Money

Other venture firms in Princeton's portfolio with busted dot-com returns had been quick to cut fund sizes and pay back fees.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to fees that are owed for a specific period, clarify the time frame. For example, "back fees for the 2024-2025 school year" is more precise than simply "back fees".

Common error

Avoid using "back fee" to describe penalties or interest charges that accrue due to late payment. While related, a "back fee" typically refers to the original, unpaid amount, whereas penalties are additional charges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back fee" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It identifies a specific type of financial obligation, namely one that is overdue. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back fee" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an overdue or outstanding payment. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and acceptable. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, but also in wiki and science. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use precise language, specifying the period to which the fees apply. Alternatives include "outstanding fee" or "past due fee". Remember that a "back fee" refers to the original amount owed, not to additional penalties or interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Outstanding fee

Emphasizes that the fee remains unpaid and due.

Overdue charge

Highlights that the charge is past its payment deadline.

Past due fee

Directly indicates the fee's payment deadline has passed.

Arrears fee

Specifically refers to the fee being in a state of debt.

Unpaid dues

Suggests a membership or recurring obligation is outstanding.

Delinquent fee

Implies a neglect in payment and potential penalties.

Late payment fee

Focuses on the penalty for paying after the due date.

Accrued charges

Indicates charges that have accumulated over time and are now due.

Retroactive fee

Highlights that the fee applies to a period in the past.

Prior balance

Refers to the amount owed from a previous billing cycle.

FAQs

What does "back fee" mean?

A "back fee" refers to a payment or charge that is overdue or owed from a previous period. It's commonly used to describe unpaid dues, taxes, or other recurring expenses.

What's the difference between a "back fee" and a late fee?

A "back fee" is the original amount owed, while a late fee is an additional charge incurred for not paying on time. You might owe a "past due fee" in addition to the "back fee".

How to use "back fee" in a sentence?

You could say: "The rancher was required to pay $1 million in "back fees" for grazing on federal land for 20 years". Or: "I owed three thousand dollars in "back fees", and therefore couldn't register for the upcoming year".

What are some alternatives to "back fee"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "outstanding fee", "overdue charge", or "arrears fee".