hefty charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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

38 human-written examples

Not only do they take in hefty charge-back fees from merchants — sometimes $25 or more for each fraudulent purchase — but in many cases retailers must swallow the cost of the item fraudulently purchased.

The New York Times

Or pay hefty charges when you occasionally tip over an agreed overdraft limit?

The Guardian - Money

Whichever bank you choose, don't go over your interest-free limit as you could end up paying hefty charges.

Independent

During the same period a year earlier, Starbucks earned just $25 million, or 3 cents a share, weighed down by hefty charges.

The New York Times

Surely it's not right to hit them with hefty charges for simply calling to make a claim?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hefty charge" when you want to emphasize the unexpected or burdensome nature of a cost. For example, "Travelers were surprised by the hefty charge for excess baggage."

Common error

Avoid using "hefty charge" for small or expected fees. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the cost is surprisingly high or feels unfair. Instead of saying "There's a hefty charge for using the gym", consider "There's a small fee for using the gym" or "There's an additional fee for using the gym"

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hefty charge" is that of a noun phrase, where "hefty" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "charge". As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe a significant or substantial fee.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hefty charge" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant fee or expense. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to underscore the considerable amount of money involved, often with a hint of disapproval or surprise. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where the cost is unexpectedly high or feels unfair. For more formal settings, alternatives like "substantial fee" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantial fee

Focuses on the significant amount of money involved.

Considerable expense

Emphasizes the costliness of the item or service.

Large surcharge

Highlights an additional charge added to the base price.

Significant levy

Implies a mandatory fee or tax that is notably high.

Exorbitant cost

Suggests the price is unreasonably high.

Sizeable payment

Underscores the largeness of the amount being paid.

Steep tariff

Implies a high tax or duty, often in international trade.

Major financial burden

Focuses on the onerous nature of the cost.

Considerable financial outlay

Emphasizes the amount of money spent or invested.

Heavy imposition

Suggests an unfair or excessive requirement.

FAQs

What does "hefty charge" mean?

The term "hefty charge" refers to a significant or substantial fee, often one that is unexpected or considered excessive. It implies a considerable financial burden.

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

You can use "hefty charge" to describe a large or considerable fee. For example, "The airline imposed a "hefty charge" for overweight luggage."

What are some alternatives to "hefty charge"?

Alternatives to "hefty charge" include "substantial fee", "considerable expense", or "large surcharge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "hefty charge" formal or informal?

"Hefty charge" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in news reporting and general communication than in highly technical or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "substantial fee" for more formal use.