start billing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start billing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the initiation of a billing process or the beginning of charging a customer for services or products. Example: "Once the project is completed, we will start billing the client for our services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Because entry fees for races in 2011 are already set, the department agreed not to start billing organizers until 2012.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2008, the city's fire department received permission to start billing people involved in accidents to help cover costs, said Mayor Aaron Peck.

The New York Times

So I don't see why you can't do the same thing when you start billing the costs of missile defense to the Social Security Administration.

The New York Times

This could be why you, like me, have been lobbying the producers to quit billing the evening as "Three One-Act Comedies" and start billing it as "Two One-Acts that Elicit Dark Titters, Plus a Comedy," which they have been resisting and not because of the size of the marquee.

The New York Times

Once we implement this trial, we will not immediately start billing customers for overage.

TechCrunch

Then they get signed up for Predicto or some other game and the cell phone carriers start billing them on behalf of their partner, Snackable Media.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Some have even started billing it the "unofficial final".

The New York Times

In a move to cut administrative costs and save on paper and postage, some have started billing customers a few extra dollars a month for paper statements.

The New York Times

But it wasn't until eight years ago that Embarrass, honoring trademark laws, started billing itself with a less poetic, but more straightforward slogan: "The Nation's Cold Spot".

The New York Times - Travel

Bob Andrews, owner of the Greenskeeper in Indianapolis, spends about $200 a day on gasoline and recently started billing an extra 50 cents per mow.

The New York Times - Travel

For those ordering directly, Netpliance this week started billing the first month's access along with the purchase of the machine, but customers are free to cancel after that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When notifying customers about upcoming changes, clearly communicate when you will "start billing" for new services or revised rates. This avoids surprises and maintains transparency.

Common error

Avoid announcing that you will "start billing" before all systems are fully tested and ready. Premature announcements can lead to customer frustration if billing processes are not yet functional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start billing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a billing process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as initiating charges for services or changing billing practices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start billing" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that signifies the initiation of a billing process. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is correct and applicable in various contexts. While considered uncommon in overall frequency, it appears frequently in News & Media sources and is characterized by a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity is key; clearly communicate the timing and details to avoid confusion. Common alternatives include "begin invoicing" and "commence charging". Therefore, ensure that all systems are tested before announcing the commencement of billing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin invoicing

Focuses specifically on the act of creating and sending invoices.

commence charging

Highlights the initiation of charges for goods or services.

initiate billing procedures

Emphasizes the formal beginning of billing processes.

implement billing

Refers to the action of putting a billing system into effect.

activate billing

Suggests enabling a billing system that was previously inactive.

begin billing cycle

Specifically refers to the start of a new billing period.

launch invoicing

Emphasizes a new beginning for an invoicing process.

establish billing

Focuses on setting up or creating a billing arrangement.

institute billing

Suggests formally introducing a new billing method.

introduce charges

Highlights the initial imposition of fees for services or goods.

FAQs

How to use "start billing" in a sentence?

You can use "start billing" to indicate the beginning of a charging period, as in, "We will "start billing" for the premium features next month".

What can I say instead of "start billing"?

You can use alternatives like "begin invoicing", "commence charging", or "initiate billing procedures depending on the context".

Which is correct, "start billing" or "begin billing"?

Both ""start billing"" and "begin billing" are correct and largely interchangeable, though "start billing" might imply a more immediate action.

What's the difference between "start billing" and "issue an invoice"?

"Start billing" refers to the process of beginning to charge a customer, while "issue an invoice" refers to creating and sending a specific bill for payment.