the going rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"the going rate" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current or average rate or price for something. Example: "The going rate for a cup of coffee at this cafe is $3." In this example, "the going rate" refers to the current or average price for a cup of coffee at the specified cafe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Pay the going rate.

The New York Times - Magazine

But no, it's the going rate.

The New York Times

(The going rate was fifty).

The New Yorker

Figure out the going rate.

The New York Times - Travel

The rent was triple the going rate.

The New York Times

What's the going rate for a pretzel?

The New York Times

It cost one third the going rate in Rehoboth.

The New York Times - Travel

"We look at settling at the going rate.

The Guardian

The going rate for evading the draft is $5,000.

The New York Times

Want to know the going rate for employees like yours?

The New York Times

The going rate for an AK-47 is 10 cows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the going rate" to benchmark costs when budgeting for projects or services. Knowing the average cost helps you plan realistically and avoid overspending.

Common error

Don't assume that "the going rate" is constant. It can vary based on location, demand, quality, and other market factors. Always verify the current rate in your specific context.

Linguistic Context

The going rate functions as a noun phrase, referring to the generally accepted or current market price, cost, or value of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in discussing salaries, rents, and the cost of goods or services. The term is often used to establish a benchmark for negotiations or comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the going rate" is a noun phrase denoting the current market price or standard cost, used as a benchmark for comparison and negotiation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, business, and even everyday contexts. While "the going rate" provides a helpful reference point, remember that it is not always fixed and can vary. Be sure to research rates in specific contexts to ensure accuracy. Considering its widespread use and clear meaning, "the going rate" is a valuable term for effective communication about prices and costs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the market price

Focuses specifically on the price determined by market forces.

the standard price

Implies a commonly accepted or typical price for a good or service.

the average cost

Highlights the calculated average expenditure for something.

the current price

Emphasizes the price applicable at the present time.

prevailing rate

Indicates the rate that is generally accepted or most common at a given time.

typical price

Indicates a price that is normal and expected.

usual cost

Highlights what is normally paid for something.

customary charge

Suggests a price established by long-standing practice.

fair price

Implies a price that is considered equitable and reasonable.

established price

Suggests a price that is well recognized and settled.

FAQs

How can I use "the going rate" in a sentence?

You can use "the going rate" to refer to the current market price or standard cost of something. For example: "The going rate for a one-bedroom apartment in this area is $2,200 a month."

What is another way to say "the going rate"?

You can use alternatives such as "the market price", "the standard price", or "the average cost" depending on the specific context.

How do I determine "the going rate" for a service?

Research online using sites like salary.com, consult industry experts, or get quotes from multiple providers to understand the average cost for the service you need.

Is "the going rate" always a fair price?

"The going rate" is typically a fair representation of the average market value, but it might not always be the best deal. Consider factors like quality, features, and specific needs to ensure you're getting the right value.