minimum charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"minimum charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the lowest amount of money that someone can be charged for a service or product. For example, "The store has a minimum charge of $10 for all small repair jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The minimum charge is $2. a mirror.

The New Yorker

$20 a person, minimum charge of $100.

The New York Times

They are currently exempt from the 5p minimum charge rules.

The Guardian

The minimum charge for a bouquet is £15!

The Guardian - Books

Wales introduced a mandatory 5p minimum charge for single use carrier bags in October 2011.

The Guardian

For example, Hargreaves Lansdown's minimum charge for a retirement consultation is £495 plus VAT.

The Guardian - Money

The cost will be 0.75% of the transaction, again subject to a minimum charge of £7.50.

The Guardian - Money

BANK OF ENGLAND'S LOAN RATE GOES UP; Minimum Charge Advanced to 5 1/2 Per Cent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Moreover, it showed the highest photocurrent effect and the minimum charge-transfer resistance.

Applied Surface Science

The Museum rents out shells to photographers-minimum charge $5.

The New Yorker

Prosecutors, stressing the seriousness of the offense, would not drop the mandatory-minimum charge in return for a plea to the other count.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting a "minimum charge", clearly communicate it to customers upfront to avoid misunderstandings and ensure transparency in pricing.

Common error

Avoid using "minimum charge" interchangeably with "average cost". "Minimum charge" represents the lowest possible amount, while "average cost" is the typical expense, which could be higher.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimum charge" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates a predetermined lower limit on the amount of money that must be paid for a particular service or product. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in the context of fees, costs, and pricing policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minimum charge" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to the lowest possible cost for a product or service. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to communicate pricing structures clearly, and is essential for setting financial expectations, primarily appearing in News & Media, Academic and Scientific domains. Related phrases include "base price" and "minimum fee". When using "minimum charge", it is best practice to communicate this clearly and upfront. A common error is to confuse it with the term "average cost". Overall, "minimum charge" is a straightforward term with high utility in commercial and transactional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum fee

A slightly different wording that still indicates the lowest acceptable charge.

initial charge

Focuses on the cost that is first applied, suggesting it's the lowest possible.

base price

Refers to the fundamental cost before additional fees or charges are applied.

floor price

Denotes the lowest possible price, often used in the context of pricing strategies or regulations.

entry-level fee

Indicates the starting cost for a service or product, often implying it's the lowest possible price.

starting cost

Emphasizes the initial price point before any additions or modifications.

basic rate

Highlights the standard or fundamental price for a service or product.

minimum spend

Refers to the least amount of money a customer must spend, in a single transaction, to be able to access a service or offer.

threshold cost

Specifies a cost that must be reached or exceeded, similar to a minimum.

nominal fee

Suggests a very small or minimal charge, often used when the cost is kept low intentionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "minimum charge" to describe the lowest amount you'll be charged for a service. For example, "The taxi has a "minimum charge" of $10, even for short rides."

What's the difference between "minimum charge" and "base price"?

"Minimum charge" is the lowest amount you will be charged, potentially including fees. "Base price", on the other hand, is the fundamental cost of a product or service before any additional charges are added.

Is it better to say "minimum fee" or "minimum charge"?

Both "minimum fee" and "minimum charge" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on the context; "charge" may be preferred for services, while "fee" may be used for membership or access costs.

When should a business implement a "minimum charge"?

A business might implement a "minimum charge" to cover operating costs for small transactions, ensure profitability, or discourage customers from making very small purchases that are not economically viable.