starting fee

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting fee" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fee that is paid as the first installment for a particular service. For example, "The starting fee for the swim instruction class is $100."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If you still want to see your colors up in the Futurity, the starting fee is $1,000.

The New Yorker

* Once you get to the contract stage, have a lawyer ensure that the contract is comprehensive, including a start and finish date (with a penalty for not meeting the deadline), a payment schedule and required starting fee, how changes and problems will be handled and a request that the contractor let you know if he changes his insurance, bonding or workers' compensation.

The New York Times

"There's a good working relationship with him now and we don't have any issues". Concerns had initially been raised with regards to the terms of the contract as it was understood Ecclestone was looking for a seven per cent annual increase on an initial £12million starting fee.

The Guardian - Sport

Prien says the price point for the service is set at about 30-40% of the starting fee for a physical vet visit in the market.

TechCrunch

While a starting fee of $8.99 can be argued away as a couple of cups of coffee by some, the price is harder to bear for others with less spending power.

TechCrunch

Wei's starting fee can be as high as $1,000.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Gem, and Impressive, at $10,000 each, together with the regular entry and starting fees, plus the $125,000 added by the N.Y.

The New Yorker

These starting fees are for travel within the continental U.S.; if you want to travel to other areas, you'll pay additional fees.

Los Angeles Times

The problem with that is all banks would uniformly need to start fee-based chequeing and impose it on existing customers.

The Economist

Asking him about the cost, he told us that the starting fees are not the problem for most of the companies.

Forbes

In a 2011 comparison, Doug Henschen of InformationWeek found that start-up fees for the three are similar, though he admitted that the starting fees were not necessarily the best basis for comparison.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "starting fee", clearly specify what it covers to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The starting fee of $50 includes the first month's subscription and access to all basic features."

Common error

Avoid implying that the "starting fee" is the only cost involved. Clearly differentiate it from recurring charges or additional expenses that may apply later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting fee" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the initial cost associated with a service, membership, or product. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from race track entry to telehealth services.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting fee" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that refers to an initial charge for a service or product. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and understood in various contexts. Its prevalence in sources like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Forbes underscores its neutral register and broad applicability. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding what the "starting fee" covers and how it differs from any recurring or additional costs. Consider alternatives such as "initial charge" or "entry fee" depending on the specific context. Overall, "starting fee" is a reliable and informative way to communicate the upfront cost associated with accessing a service or product.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial charge

Replaces "starting" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning nature of the fee.

commencement fee

Substitutes "starting" with "commencement", giving a more formal tone to the phrase.

entry fee

Uses "entry" instead of "starting", focusing on the fee required to gain access or begin participation.

initial payment

Replaces "fee" with "payment", highlighting the act of paying rather than the charge itself.

upfront cost

Emphasizes that the fee is paid at the beginning, before receiving a service.

setup cost

Focuses on the cost associated with setting up an account or service.

activation fee

Highlights the fee required to activate a service or account.

joining fee

Specifies the fee paid when joining a club, organization or program.

admission fee

Refers to the fee required for entry into an event or venue.

initial outlay

Replaces "fee" with "outlay", referring to an initial expense or investment.

FAQs

How can I use "starting fee" in a sentence?

You can use "starting fee" to describe the initial payment required for a service or membership. For example, "The "starting fee" for the gym membership is $50, after which there's a monthly charge".

What is another way to say "starting fee"?

Alternatives to "starting fee" include "initial charge", "entry fee", or "upfront cost" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "starting fee" and "startup fee"?

While similar, "starting fee" generally refers to the initial cost for a service or membership. "Startup fee" /s/start+up+fee often implies costs associated with establishing a business or setting up a new account.

What does a "starting fee" typically cover?

A "starting fee" usually covers the initial costs associated with beginning a service or membership, such as registration, activation, or access to basic features.