the bill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the bill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement of charges for goods or services received, typically in a restaurant or for a utility service. Example: "After finishing our meal, we asked the waiter for the bill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(The bill failed).

The New York Times

Rose fits the bill.

The New Yorker

Kill the bill.

The New York Times

Warren reintroduced the bill.

The New Yorker

THE BILL Very reasonable.

The New York Times

Iceland fits the bill.

The Economist

The bill, the….

The New Yorker

The bill died.

The New York Times

"Read the bill!

The Economist

"The bill does that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gul returned the bill unsigned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to legislation, ensure context clarifies whether it is a "bill" (proposed) or a law (enacted).

Common error

Avoid using "bill" to refer to enacted legislation; use "law" or "act" instead once it has been passed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the bill" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers either to a statement of charges or to a proposed law. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in both financial and legislative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the bill" is a versatile noun phrase with two primary meanings: a statement of charges or a proposed law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its register ranges from neutral in financial contexts to formal in legislative settings. It commonly appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business communications. When referring to legislation, it's important to distinguish between a "bill" (proposed) and a "law" (enacted). Alternatives like "the check" and "the legislation" can be used depending on the specific context to provide clarity. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Economist, Forbes, and Los Angeles Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the check

A common alternative for "bill", particularly in restaurants.

the invoice

Replaces "bill" with a more formal term, often used in business contexts.

the tab

An informal way to refer to the amount owed, especially in a bar setting.

the statement

A more general term for a record of charges.

the account

Refers to the financial record of transactions.

the legislation

Specifically refers to a proposed law.

the proposed law

Explicitly states that it is a law under consideration.

the act

Another term for a law or statute.

the measure

A formal term for a proposed law or action.

the financial obligation

A broader term encompassing any monetary debt.

FAQs

What does "the bill" mean?

The phrase "the bill" commonly refers to a statement of charges for goods or services, such as in a restaurant. It can also refer to a proposed law presented to a legislature.

What can I say instead of "the bill" (referring to a restaurant check)?

Alternatives include "the check" or "the tab", depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "the bill" (referring to proposed legislation)?

You can use phrases like "the legislation", "the proposed law", or "the measure".

How do I use "the bill" correctly in a sentence?

When referring to a statement of charges: "Could we have the bill, please?" When referring to legislation: "The bill is currently being debated in the Senate."