fee scale

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A set of rates or charges that vary according to income, service type, or other stated factors.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a fee scale', 'the fee scale', or 'fee scales'.

   Patterns

   • a sliding fee scale
   • on a fee scale
   • according to the fee scale

   The clinic uses a sliding fee scale so that lower-income patients pay less.

   Lawyers in the firm follow a standard fee scale for routine work.

   The new fee scale will apply to all applications received after January.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   A formal schedule or table that lists the fees charged for particular services or transactions.

   Grammar: Often used with 'publish', 'set', or 'review': publish a fee scale.

   Patterns

   • publish a fee scale
   • set a fee scale
   • review the fee scale

   The bank published its new fee scale on its website.

   The committee reviews the fee scale every two years.

   Please consult the fee scale before booking your appointment.

Word forms

Common combinations

sliding fee scale

The dental office offers a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients.

standard fee scale

All branches use the same standard fee scale.

publish a fee scale

The agency must publish a fee scale each year.

on a fee scale

Charges are based on a fee scale set by the state.

Synonyms and how they differ

price list

A price list is a general list of prices for goods or services, while a fee scale often implies rates that change according to income or category.

rate schedule

A rate schedule is similar but is more common in utilities and transport, whereas a fee scale is typical for professional services.

tariff

A tariff is usually a government tax on imports or a fixed charge for public services; a fee scale is broader and can be private.

Word family

fee noun

A payment charged for a service or privilege.

scale noun

A range or system of levels used for measuring or ranking.

Commonly confused: fee scale or free scale?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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