excessive fees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive fees" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing charges or costs that are considered to be unreasonably high or beyond what is typical. Example: "Many customers have complained about the excessive fees associated with the service, leading to a decline in satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

DEFINING EXCESSIVE FEES So when are retirement plan fees unconscionable?

The New York Times

(Recer denies charging excessive fees).

The New Yorker

U.S. military guidelines prohibit such "excessive" fees.

The New Yorker

It came with "excessive fees and costs," the suit said.

The New York Times

But the crusade against excessive fees could run up against a formidable wall.

The New York Times

But, she added, "some firms other than Maximus do charge excessive fees".

The New York Times

The marketplace, Chief Judge Easterbrook went on, may be trusted to curb excessive fees.

The New York Times

In 2011, Guardian Money highlighted widespread allegations of excessive fees and poor service at Peverel.

The Guardian - Money

Time Warner will not be allowed to charge Internet companies excessive fees.

The New York Times

He added that such excessive fees could deter reporters from pursuing investigative stories.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Can the somewhat-excessive fees of American universities, as some put it, be justified?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial agreements or contracts, be specific about which "excessive fees" you're referring to. Detail exactly what the fee is for and why it is considered excessive.

Common error

Avoid using "excessive fees" without providing context. Instead of just stating that fees are excessive, explain the specific service or situation in which the fees are being applied and why they are considered too high. This makes your argument more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive fees" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that the fees in question are considered unreasonably high or beyond what is acceptable. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase. Many examples across diverse sources like The New York Times and Forbes, illustrate its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

The New Yorker

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive fees" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe charges considered unreasonably high. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. As evidenced by the numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times, Forbes and The Guardian, the term appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often highlighting consumer grievances or legal disputes. Alternative phrases like "exorbitant charges" or "unreasonable costs" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "excessive fees", it is essential to provide specific context and detail to strengthen your argument and avoid vagueness. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate your concerns about unfair financial practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exorbitant charges

Replaces "fees" with "charges" and "excessive" with "exorbitant", emphasizing the unreasonableness of the cost.

unreasonable costs

Substitutes "fees" with "costs" and "excessive" with "unreasonable", indicating the unfairness of the expenses.

inflated prices

Changes the structure to highlight the price being artificially high, rather than the fee itself.

high surcharges

Uses "surcharges" to specify the type of fee and "high" to describe its magnitude.

steep dues

Employs "dues" to refer to membership fees that are particularly high.

outrageous tariffs

Replaces "fees" with "tariffs" implying taxes are extremely high.

prohibitive rates

Swaps "fees" with "rates", focusing on how a service or cost prevents action due to high prices.

onerous expenses

Uses "onerous" to suggest that the expenses are a burden and difficult to bear.

sky-high commissions

Specifies that the fees are "commissions" and describes them as being extremely elevated.

unconscionable levies

Replaces "fees" with "levies" to mean taxes, while using "unconscionable" to suggest moral reprehensibility.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "excessive fees"?

You can use alternatives like "exorbitant charges", "unreasonable costs", or "inflated prices" depending on the context.

How can I identify "excessive fees" in a contract?

Look for fees that are significantly higher than industry standards or that are not clearly explained in the contract. Compare the fees with those charged by other providers and ask for clarification on any unfamiliar charges.

What legal recourse do I have if I'm charged "excessive fees"?

You may have grounds for a legal claim, especially if the fees were not disclosed or were misrepresented. Consult with a legal professional to explore your options, such as filing a complaint with a regulatory agency or pursuing a lawsuit.

Is there a difference between "excessive fees" and hidden fees?

"Excessive fees" are fees that are overtly high, while hidden fees are those not clearly disclosed upfront. Both can be problematic, but hidden fees involve a lack of transparency, while "excessive fees" are characterized by their unreasonable amount.