initiation fee

USAGE SUMMARY

"initiation fee" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a fee that someone has to pay in order to join a club or organization. For example, "The tennis club charges a $50 initiation fee for new members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The initiation fee is about $40,000.

The New York Times - Sports

The initiation fee is one dollar.

The New Yorker

Approximately 800 members paid a $1,000 initiation fee plus annual dues of $200.

The New York Times

Buyers pay a mortgage initiation fee to cover the cost of an appraisal on the property.

The New York Times

The less deluxe membership entails a $1,200 initiation fee and a $180 monthly charge.

The New York Times - Style

Members pay a one-off initiation fee of $150,000 and a $200,000 annual fee.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The club has 31 members and a $25 initiation fee.

The New York Times

Children under 14 are excused from the $100 initiation fee.

The New Yorker

Golf membership: $150,000 initiation fee plus monthly dues of $650.

The New York Times

As of Jan . 1 it will also charge a $149 initiation fee.

The New York Times

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) costs $255 a year, with a $65 initiation fee.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about clubs or organizations, specify the "initiation fee" clearly and separately from ongoing dues for transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "initiation fee" interchangeably with annual dues or membership fees. The "initiation fee" is a one-time payment, while dues are recurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiation fee" functions as a compound noun, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe a specific cost associated with joining an organization or service.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initiation fee" is a common and grammatically sound term referring to a one-time payment required to join an organization or service. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequent usage in news media highlights its relevance in discussions about clubs, memberships, and costs. When writing, remember to differentiate the "initiation fee" from recurring dues, and consider alternatives like "joining fee" or "membership fee" depending on the specific context. Paying attention to these nuances will enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joining fee

Simple substitution, directly referring to the fee paid upon joining.

membership fee

Broader term that encompasses recurring fees in addition to the initial payment.

entrance fee

Highlights the act of entering or gaining access, applicable to events or locations.

sign-up fee

Emphasizes the action of signing up or registering for a service or program.

admission fee

Focuses on the permission to enter or be admitted, common in attractions or events.

enrollment fee

Specific to enrolling in a course, program, or institution.

subscription fee

Implies a recurring payment for access to a service over a period of time, with an initial cost.

onboarding fee

Covers the costs associated with integrating a new member or client into a system or organization.

initial contribution

Highlights the financial aspect of becoming a member or participant.

start-up cost

Broader term that includes all the expenses associated with beginning a new venture or membership.

FAQs

How is an "initiation fee" different from membership dues?

An "initiation fee" is a one-time charge to join an organization, while membership dues are recurring payments for continued access or benefits.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "initiation fee"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "joining fee", "entrance fee", or "membership fee".

Is it correct to refer to a mortgage origination fee as an "initiation fee"?

While the term "initiation fee" is sometimes used in the context of mortgages, it's more accurate to use the term "origination fee" or "mortgage initiation fee" to specifically describe the fee for setting up a mortgage.

Why do some organizations charge an "initiation fee"?

Organizations charge an "initiation fee" to cover the initial costs of onboarding new members and to ensure a commitment from those who join.