one-time charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one-time charge" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a fee or cost that is only paid once, rather than being a recurring or ongoing charge. Example: "The membership fee for this gym includes a one-time charge of $50 for a key fob." In this sentence, the one-time charge refers to the initial fee for the key fob, which is only paid once and does not have to be paid again for future use. Other examples of one-time charges could include a registration fee, an installation fee, or a one-time payment for a service. Essentially, any fee that is paid once and then does not need to be paid again can be referred to as a one-time charge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It last posted a loss in 1995, on a one-time charge related to its film division.

Forbes

Buyers also pay a welcome tax, a one-time charge based on the purchase price.

The New York Times

The firm also struggled after a one-time charge depressed its earnings.

The New York Times

It expects to incur a one-time charge in 2010 because of the reorganization.

The New York Times

The company also took a £76 million one-time charge to add to its pension reserves.

The New York Times

I could live with that; it was a one-time charge.

The New York Times

It will take a one-time charge this year of about $65 million.

The New York Times

That included a one-time charge associated with the acquisition of Polygram.

The New York Times

Host said it expected to take a one-time charge of $40 million to $50 million.

The New York Times

The layoffs will force Priceline to take a one-time charge in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

Excluding the one-time charge, the company said it earned $747 million, or $1.10 a share.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fees, specify what the "one-time charge" covers to avoid ambiguity. For instance, state "a one-time setup charge" rather than just "a one-time charge".

Common error

Avoid implying that a "one-time charge" is recurring. Clearly differentiate it from monthly or annual fees in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-time charge" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjective modifying another noun, typically related to fees, costs, or expenses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a payment that is made only once.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

39%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one-time charge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term that describes a non-recurring payment. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it serves to clarify that a fee is only paid once, differentiating it from recurring charges. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media and Formal & Business, making it a versatile phrase in both written and spoken communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the charge covers to avoid any potential confusion. Alternatives such as "single payment" or "non-recurring fee" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-recurring fee

Substitutes "one-time" with "non-recurring" and "charge" with "fee", focusing on the lack of repetition.

once-off cost

Uses British English equivalent, maintaining the meaning of a single, non-repeating expense.

single payment

Replaces "charge" with a more general term for payment, emphasizing the single instance.

first time fee

It emphasizes that the charge is applied only upon initial transaction or service activation.

initial fee

Highlights the fee's position as the first and only payment.

lump sum payment

Highlights the payment is made in a single installment.

fixed cost

Emphasizes that the charge is a determined amount that is paid only once.

standalone fee

Indicates the fee is not part of any recurring billing cycle.

isolated payment

Focuses on the payment being a standalone event.

unique payment

Implies the charge happens only once, distinguishing it from recurring payments.

FAQs

How can I use "one-time charge" in a sentence?

You can use "one-time charge" to describe fees that are paid only once, such as "The installation includes a "one-time charge" for the equipment".

What's the difference between "one-time charge" and "recurring fee"?

"One-time charge" refers to a fee you pay only once, while a "recurring fee" is charged regularly, such as monthly or annually. Therefore, the "one-time charge" is not recurring.

Which is correct, "one-time charge" or "one time charge"?

"One-time charge" is the correct form, using a hyphen to connect the words acting as a single adjective describing the charge. "One time charge" without the hyphen is grammatically incorrect in this context.

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

You can use alternatives like "single payment", "non-recurring fee", or "initial fee" depending on the specific context.