expense description

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablebusiness

   A short written note explaining what a payment was for.

   Grammar: Countable: you can write 'an expense description' or 'expense descriptions'.

   Patterns

   • write an expense description
   • add an expense description
   • the expense description for something

   Please add a clear expense description, such as 'train ticket to Leeds'.

   The finance team rejected the claim because the expense description was too vague.

   Each expense description should say what was bought and why.

2. 2nouncountablebusinesscomputing

   The text field on a form or app where you explain a cost you are claiming back.

   Grammar: Often used with 'in' or 'on': 'type the amount in the expense description'.

   Patterns

   • fill in the expense description
   • the expense description field

   On the app, the expense description comes right after the date.

   You can leave the expense description blank only for small amounts.

Word forms

Common combinations

a detailed expense description

A detailed expense description speeds up approval.

write an expense description

Always write an expense description in English.

the expense description field

Click the expense description field and type the purpose.

provide an expense description

Employees must provide an expense description for every item over $25.

Synonyms and how they differ

expense note

Less common and slightly informal; it means the same short explanation.

justification

More formal and broader; it can explain any decision, not just a cost.

Word family

expense noun

Money that you spend, especially for work.

describe verb

To say what something is like.

description noun

A statement that tells you what something is like.

Commonly confused: expense description or expense account?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “expense description”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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