service charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"service charge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally speaking, you can use the phrase when referring to additional fees applied to goods or services. For example, "The restaurant applied a 20% service charge to our bill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Service charge- tba.

Independent

"But the service charge will be $10.25".

The New York Times

Mr Rich called it a service charge.

The Economist

Drinks, service charge and travel not included.

Independent

Otoshi, $2.55; no service charge.

The New York Times - Travel

The monthly service charge is $4.99.

The New York Times - Tech

The service charge and interest were massive.

The Guardian

Annual service charge up to £1,050.

The Guardian - Money

Tax and service charge are extra.

The New York Times - Arts

They see nothing of the service charge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cost for one: $24.74, including the $3 room-service charge and 20percentt service charge.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a "service charge", clearly state the percentage or fixed amount and what it covers to avoid ambiguity for the customer.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "service charge" automatically goes to the staff. Always clarify where the charge goes, as some establishments use it for other operational costs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "service charge" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of fee. Ludwig examples show it being used to denote an amount added to a bill for services rendered. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "service charge" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an additional fee for services. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's primarily used in news, travel, and business contexts to inform consumers about extra costs. To prevent misunderstandings, it's advisable to clarify what the "service charge" covers. Alternatives like "service fee" or "surcharge" can be used depending on the context. When using the term, ensure transparency and avoid assuming it directly benefits the service staff.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

service fee

Implies a mandatory fee for a service rendered, similar to a "service charge".

surcharge

An additional charge added to an existing cost, often due to specific circumstances.

mandatory tip

A compulsory amount added to the bill for the service provided, similar to “service charge”.

additional fee

A more general term for extra costs, not necessarily tied to service.

built-in gratuity

Indicates that the tip is already included in the total price.

gratuity

Usually a voluntary payment for good service, unlike a mandatory "service charge".

handling fee

Specifically covers the cost of handling or processing an item or service.

convenience fee

Charged for the convenience of a particular payment method or service.

resort fee

A mandatory fee charged by resorts for amenities and services.

administration fee

Covers administrative costs, which may or may not be directly related to service.

FAQs

How is a "service charge" different from a tip?

A "service charge" is a mandatory fee added to the bill, whereas a tip is a voluntary payment, usually for good service. Additionally, there's no guarantee that a service charge is distributed to staff.

Is a "service charge" always included in the price?

No, a "service charge" is not always included in the price. It's essential to check the menu or ask the staff to determine if a "service fee" will be added to your bill.

What's another way to say "service charge"?

You could use terms like "service fee", "additional fee", or "surcharge", depending on the specific context.

Can I refuse to pay a "service charge"?

In some regions, if the "service charge" was not disclosed beforehand, you might have grounds to dispute it. However, policies vary, so it's best to inquire before incurring the charge.