one-off charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one-off charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a single, non-recurring fee or expense that is charged at a specific time. Example: "The service will incur a one-off charge for installation, but there will be no ongoing fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It would be better if fees for ongoing services were treated as running costs and not rolled-up in a one-off charge on shareholders, he says.The trouble is, the status quo suits both bankers and executives, who can enjoy the City's attentions at little cost.

The Economist

If you are, say, from the UK and shopping on a US site, a card transaction will entail a foreign exchange fee, while your bank/card company will be likely to take a wider spread on the exchange rate, plus levy a one-off charge for a foreign payment.

The Guardian

The company said on Thursday the head office reorganisation would result in a one-off charge of up to £40m.

The Guardian - Business

The plunge in profits owes much to a one-off charge to cover restructuring in Brazil.

The Economist

The results included a one-off charge of 94c per share.

The Guardian - Tech

Admittedly, that was a one-off charge, rather than an annual levy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

LONDON — Royal Bank of Scotland on Friday reported a net loss of £1.99 billion, or $3.09 billion, in the first half of the year after it took an accounting charge on its debt and other one-off charges.

The New York Times

BLOOMBERG NEWS Royal Bank of Scotland Records $3 Billion Loss in First Half  |  The British bank reported a net loss of $3.09 billion in the first half of the year after it took an accounting charge on its debt and other one-off charges.

The New York Times

Europe's largest consumer electronics group Philips plunged to the biggest net loss in its history last year, due to hefty one-off charges and said on Tuesday it saw no short-term economic recovery.

Forbes

It managed to make a profit in the first half of the year (excluding one-off charges), is quietly cutting back on profit-sapping discounts and has persuaded a third of its workforce to accept early severance.

The Economist

There are larger numbers of vacants in areas like Durham and Northumberland, where further tax on empty properties could help force their owners' hands – as could one-off charges, such as the £60,000 payment proposed by Islington council on vacant new-builds.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "one-off charge", clearly state what it covers to avoid confusion. For instance, specify if it includes installation, setup, or other services.

Common error

Avoid using "one-off charge" interchangeably with terms like "monthly fee" or "annual subscription". "One-off charge" indicates a single, non-recurring payment, while the others imply ongoing expenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-off charge" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun (e.g., "charge", "fee", "payment"). It specifies that the charge is not recurring and is levied only once. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one-off charge" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a single, non-recurring fee or expense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and utilized across various professional and informal contexts, predominantly in news and media and business communications. To ensure clarity, specify the services or items covered by the charge. Alternative phrases include "single charge" and "one-time fee". Understanding its usage helps in managing financial expectations and avoiding confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Single charge

Focuses on the fact that the charge is only applied once.

One-time fee

Highlights that the fee is paid only once.

Non-recurring fee

Emphasizes the absence of repeated charges.

Isolated charge

Stresses the standalone nature of the charge.

Unique fee

Highlights the individuality and infrequency of the charge.

Exceptional charge

Implies that the charge is unusual or not part of the regular billing.

Irregular fee

Similar to exceptional, suggesting it deviates from the norm.

Lump sum payment

Refers to a single payment made in its entirety.

Special assessment

Often used in legal or financial contexts to describe a specific, non-routine charge.

Initial fee

Highlights that the fee is charged at the beginning.

FAQs

How to use "one-off charge" in a sentence?

You can use "one-off charge" to describe a single, non-recurring fee, such as "There is a "one-off charge" for the setup of the service."

What can I say instead of "one-off charge"?

Alternatives include "single charge", "one-time fee", or "non-recurring fee", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "one-time charge" instead of "one-off charge"?

Yes, "one-time charge" is a perfectly acceptable synonym for ""one-off charge"" and is widely understood.

What's the difference between "one-off charge" and "initial fee"?

"One-off charge" refers to any single, non-recurring payment, while "initial fee" specifically indicates a charge that is applied at the beginning of a service or contract. Thus, an initial fee is a type of one-off charge.