What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fees
Example
The bank charges a fee for withdrawing money from an ATM. [fee: noun]
Example
The lawyer's fees were quite high for the amount of work done. [fees: plural noun]
Example
The tuition fees for the university are due at the beginning of each semester. [fees: plural noun]
cost
Example
The cost of the new car was too high for my budget. [cost: noun]
Example
The company had to cut costs by reducing staff to stay profitable. [costs: plural noun]
Example
The total cost of the construction project was much higher than anticipated. [cost: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cost is more commonly used than fees in everyday language. Cost is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while fees is more specific and often associated with professional or educational services.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fees and cost?
Fees are often associated with a formal or professional tone, while cost can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
