for the privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the benefits or advantages that come with a certain action or situation, often implying that something is being done at a cost or with a special allowance. Example: "He was charged a fee for the privilege of accessing the exclusive club."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thank you for the privilege.

Independent

They have paid dearly for the privilege.

The Economist

Not when you pay for the privilege.

The New Yorker

They might even pay for the privilege.

Independent

Moreover, they pay for the privilege.

The New York Times

Billingsley charged them heavily for the privilege.

The New York Times - Books

But you'll pay dearly for the privilege.

The New York Times - Tech

(Paying dearly for the privilege, one suspects).

The New York Times - Food

Supporters will pay for the privilege.

The New York Times

Each must pay $50 for the privilege.

The New York Times

And they're paying for the privilege.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the privilege" to clearly indicate that a benefit or opportunity comes with a specific cost, requirement, or condition. This adds clarity and transparency to your writing, especially in formal or business contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "for the privilege" can sound overly formal or even sarcastic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "to get to" or "for the chance to" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the privilege" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It adds information about the reason or condition under which something is done or allowed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the privilege" is a prepositional phrase used to denote that a benefit or opportunity is obtained in exchange for something else. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common. Its use is most frequent in news and media, formal and business, and academic contexts, implying a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of the potential for sounding overly formal in casual settings. Related phrases include "in return for" and "at the cost of". It is important to explicitly define the 'cost' to avoid misunderstanding or sarcasm. Top authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in exchange for the honor

Replaces 'privilege' with 'honor', emphasizing respect or distinction received.

to have the benefit of

Focuses on the advantage gained rather than the cost or allowance.

for the opportunity to

Highlights the chance or possibility granted, shifting the emphasis from a right to an occasion.

in return for the advantage

Emphasizes reciprocity, suggesting something is given back in exchange for the benefit.

at the cost of

Highlights the expense or sacrifice involved in obtaining something.

with the understanding that

Suggests an agreement or condition attached to the benefit.

subject to the condition of

Implies a requirement or prerequisite that must be met.

in consideration of the benefit

Formally acknowledges the advantage received, often in legal or business contexts.

by virtue of the right

Emphasizes the legal or inherent entitlement to something.

as a consequence of the access

Focuses on how the access that was given has some consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "for the privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "for the privilege" to indicate that someone is paying or enduring something in exchange for a specific benefit or opportunity. For example, "They paid a high fee "for the privilege" of attending the exclusive event."

What are some alternatives to "for the privilege"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in return for", "in exchange for", "at the cost of", or "to have the benefit of".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the 'cost' when using "for the privilege"?

While not always mandatory, it's generally clearer and more impactful to imply or state the cost or condition associated with the privilege. Omitting it can sometimes make the sentence sound incomplete or sarcastic.

What's the difference between "for the privilege" and "as a right"?

"For the privilege" implies that something is granted or allowed, often with a condition or cost, while "as a right" suggests an inherent or legally protected entitlement. "For the privilege" suggests permission or allowance, while "as a right" implies entitlement.