massive bill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "massive bill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large amount of money that one is expected to pay. For example, "We were surprised by the massive bill we received from the car repair shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's unacceptable to hide the details of this massive bill behind the excuse of commercial confidentiality.

Independent

The worry is that German taxpayers might end up with a massive bill.

The Economist

Indonesia's taxpayers would then be left with a massive bill for a mess that they played no part in creating.

The Economist

At one point in the proceedings, which ultimately were settled, a director of AWI was quoted as saying: "If we have a massive bill, so have they got a massive bill".

The Guardian - Opinion

The German government has abandoned promised tax cuts to help pay the massive bill for flood damage in the east of the country.

Independent

Kingfishers, ranging in length from 10 to 42 cm (4 to 16.5 inches), have a large head, a long and massive bill, and a compact body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

TEPCO faces massive bills for replacement fuels and compensating evacuees.

The Economist

I've heard some nightmare stories from friends with ex-council flats who've had massive bills for repairs".

The Guardian - Money

The trouble is, thousands of people have no way to pay for the massive bills they'll face once they walk out".

The New York Times

"There is no shortage of evidence that the Department of Environmental Protection has massive billing problems," he said, referring to the city agency responsible for billing property owners for water and sewer charges.

The New York Times

The first was the accidental introduction of speech by Warner Brothers in The Jazz Singer (1927); within two years silent movies were assigned to archives and art houses, and the industry faced massive bills for soundproofing studios and re-equipping cinemas.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "massive bill", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of bill being referred to (e.g., medical, legal, utility) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "massive bill" for relatively small or expected expenses. Reserve it for truly surprisingly large or burdensome amounts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "massive bill" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "massive" modifies the noun "bill". As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a large amount of money owed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "massive bill" is a common and readily understood way to describe a large or substantial financial charge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, where unexpected costs or financial burdens are being discussed, its register is generally neutral. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "significant charge" or "substantial expense". When using "massive bill", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of bill being referred to for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge invoice

Replaces 'bill' with 'invoice', emphasizing the financial document itself and using a synonym for 'massive'.

large debt

Shifts the focus to the obligation itself rather than the document, using 'large' as a synonym.

substantial charge

Replaces 'bill' with 'charge', focusing on the cost, while 'substantial' indicates the amount.

exorbitant cost

Highlights the excessiveness of the cost using 'exorbitant'.

considerable expense

Focuses on the financial outlay, using 'considerable' to denote size.

steep payment

Emphasizes the difficulty of the payment due to its high amount.

significant liability

Presents the bill as a financial obligation, highlighting its importance.

heavy financial burden

Focuses on the impact of the bill on one's finances.

onerous assessment

Suggests that the bill is unfairly high or difficult to manage.

astronomical sum

Exaggerates the size of the bill by comparing it to the vastness of the cosmos.

FAQs

What does "massive bill" mean?

A "massive bill" refers to a very large or substantial amount of money owed, usually unexpectedly or considered excessive.

What can I say instead of "massive bill"?

You can use alternatives like "huge invoice", "large debt", or "substantial charge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "massive bill" in formal writing?

While understandable, "massive bill" is more common in informal or news contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "significant liability" or "considerable expense".

How can I avoid getting a "massive bill"?

To avoid a "massive bill", carefully review contracts, monitor usage (e.g., data, utilities), and proactively inquire about potential charges or fees.