premium rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "premium rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of telecommunications or services to refer to a higher-than-normal charge for a service, often associated with special content or features. Example: "If you call this number, you will be charged a premium rate for the service provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The number you have to dial charges a premium rate.

The Guardian - Money

A common complaint, he says, is premium rate number scams.

The Guardian - Tech

The sites in question, called premium rate services, require you to disconnect from your ISP and connect to a number with premium rate charges.

The Guardian - Money

Staff phone the DVLA's 0906 premium rate number, and charge the customer accordingly.

The Guardian - Money

One man's hiccup is another man's multi-million pound premium rate phone-in scandal.

The Guardian

But not everyone qualifies for financial assistance that can bring the premium rate down.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

These start to move into semi-premium rate line territory.

The Guardian - Money

Premium-rate phone lines?

The Guardian

In September Icstis, the regulatory body for the premium-rate phone industry, fined GMTV's premium-rate phone operator Opera Telecom £250,000.

The Guardian

Then calls were made to premium-rate numbers almost non-stop for three days.

The Guardian - Money

If only he'd thought to involve televised voting and premium-rate phone numbers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing costs, clearly specify what the "premium rate" applies to (e.g., a phone call, an insurance plan) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "premium rate" automatically guarantees superior quality or value. Always assess the benefits relative to the cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "premium rate" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an adjective-noun construction. It modifies another noun, typically referring to services like phone calls or insurance, indicating a higher cost than usual. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "premium rate" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a higher-than-normal cost for a service or product. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various domains like news, academia and science. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to provide context to avoid misinterpretations about value. Remember that alternatives such as "high rate" or "elevated rate" may offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. In conclusion, "premium rate" effectively communicates the presence of an increased cost, making it a valuable term in discussions of pricing and services.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high rate

Focuses on the elevated level or degree of the rate.

elevated rate

Emphasizes the raised or increased status of the rate.

increased rate

Highlights the action of the rate being augmented.

expensive rate

Directly states the high cost associated with the rate.

enhanced rate

Suggests an improvement or upgrade that justifies the higher rate.

special rate

Indicates the rate is unique or designated for specific circumstances.

luxury rate

Implies the rate is associated with high-end or exclusive services.

exclusive rate

Highlights the limited availability or access associated with the rate.

premium charge

Replaces rate with charge, indicating a cost or fee.

higher tariff

Uses tariff as a synonym for rate, specifying a higher cost.

FAQs

How can I use "premium rate" in a sentence?

You can say, "Calling this number will result in a "premium rate"", or "The insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage but at a "premium rate"."

What's the difference between "premium rate" and "standard rate"?

A "premium rate" is a higher cost than the usual or "standard rate", typically charged for specialized services or products.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "premium rate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "high rate", "elevated rate", or "expensive rate" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always a scam if a service charges a "premium rate"?

Not necessarily. While some scams involve "premium rate" numbers, many legitimate services also use them, often disclosing the costs upfront. Always verify the service and its pricing.