levy a hefty surcharge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "levy a hefty surcharge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a significant additional charge is imposed, often in financial or service-related situations. Example: "Due to the increased costs of materials, the company has decided to levy a hefty surcharge on all late payments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exhibitors have used 3D to justify putting a hefty surcharge on tickets.

Independent

For who can say they have not inwardly trembled as an airline official directs them to the measuring cage - knowing they may face a hefty surcharge?

BBC

No matter what your opinion is about 3D, the charm of paying a hefty surcharge has worn off for the hypothetical family of four".

Huffington Post

The Affordable Care Act mandates maternity coverage because, in the old days, insurance frequently didn't offer it ― or did so only if beneficiaries were willing to pay a hefty surcharge.

Huffington Post

As for the ticket-processing aspect of the fee, Richmond was unable to say whether the $18 reflects Greyhound's actual costs or why this relatively common service requires such a hefty surcharge.

Los Angeles Times

Obamacare's idea of nudging businesses and their workers to be more cost-conscious on health care spending is to levy a hefty tax on loaded health plans.

Forbes

They've just levied a hefty fine on Pan Am for -- gasp! -- handing out roses to the airline's female passengers.

Huffington Post

Levying a hefty European Union tax, whether directly or indirectly, to bail out debtors would not be easily accepted.

Huffington Post

It has decided to levy a $1 monthly surcharge to customers who choose to receive account statements by mail.

The New York Times

In addition, the Administration would levy a new surcharge on big, highly leveraged financial firms, reflecting the risks they present to the rest of the economy.

The New Yorker

From April 14th, it will levy a $100,000 surcharge on Japan's three largest shipping firms--Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Mitsui OSK Lines and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha--every time one of their container vessels docks in an American harbour.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "levy a hefty surcharge" when you want to emphasize the formal imposition of a significant additional cost or fee. This phrase is appropriate in contexts where the charge is substantial and officially applied.

Common error

Avoid using "levy a hefty surcharge" in casual conversation or informal writing. The term "levy" implies a formal or official action, so it is better suited for business, legal, or official communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "levy a hefty surcharge" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective-noun phrase. It describes the action of imposing a significant additional fee or charge. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "levy a hefty surcharge" is grammatically sound and suitable for formal and professional contexts where a significant additional fee is being imposed. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness. While alternatives exist, such as "impose a substantial surcharge", the original phrase is effective for clearly communicating the imposition of a notable additional charge. Its formal register makes it best suited for official communications, as highlighted by usage examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impose a substantial surcharge

Replaces "levy" with "impose" and "hefty" with "substantial", slightly altering the tone.

Apply a significant surcharge

Substitutes "levy" with "apply" and "hefty" with "significant", offering a more formal alternative.

Charge a considerable surcharge

Replaces "levy" with "charge" and "hefty" with "considerable", making it more straightforward.

Add a large surcharge

Uses "add" instead of "levy" and "large" instead of "hefty", simplifying the language.

Place a heavy surcharge

Replaces "levy" with "place" and "hefty" with "heavy", emphasizing the burden of the charge.

Assess a sizable surcharge

Substitutes "levy" with "assess" and "hefty" with "sizable", suggesting a formal evaluation before the charge.

Demand a premium surcharge

Replaces "levy" with "demand" and "hefty" with "premium", implying higher quality or exclusivity.

Institute a major surcharge

Uses "institute" instead of "levy" and "major" instead of "hefty", indicating the introduction of a significant fee.

Slap on a hefty surcharge

Replaces "levy" with "slap on", making the action more forceful and less formal.

Impose a steep additional fee

Alters the structure to "fee" instead of "surcharge", maintaining the impact of a high extra charge.

FAQs

What does "levy a hefty surcharge" mean?

It means to formally impose a significant additional charge or fee on top of the regular price.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "levy a hefty surcharge"?

It's appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal, business, or official communications, where a substantial additional charge is being imposed.

What are some alternatives to "levy a hefty surcharge"?

You can use alternatives like "impose a substantial surcharge", "apply a significant surcharge", or "charge a considerable surcharge" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "levy a hefty surcharge" and "impose a hefty surcharge"?

The difference is subtle; "levy" often implies a more official or formal action than "impose", though they are largely interchangeable. The phrase "impose a substantial surcharge" works well in most cases.