Is an 'expense account' the same as an 'expense report'?

No. An expense account is the system or arrangement for reimbursement. An expense report is the specific document detailing costs submitted for repayment.

Can 'expense account' be used as a verb?

Informally, yes (e.g., 'I'll expense-account it'), but it's non-standard. The standard verb is 'to expense' or 'to charge to an expense account'.

Are all meals on business trips covered by an expense account?

Typically, yes, within policy limits (e.g., a daily meal allowance). Personal meals or extravagant spending usually are not reimbursable.

What's the difference between a 'per diem' and an 'expense account'?

A per diem is a fixed daily allowance paid regardless of actual costs. An expense account requires submitting actual receipts for reimbursement of specific, incurred costs.

expense account

UK/ɪkˈspens əˌkaʊnt/US/ɪkˈspens əˌkaʊnt/

Formal/Professional

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Definition

Meaning

An arrangement by which an employer reimburses an employee for business-related costs incurred during work.

A record or system for tracking and claiming work-related expenditures; sometimes used metaphorically to describe lavish spending justified as business costs.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily a countable noun phrase; often used in corporate, accounting, and business travel contexts. Implies formal approval and reimbursement processes.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences; concept identical. Spelling follows national conventions (e.g., 'reimbursement' vs. 'reimbursement').

Connotations

Similar connotations of corporate spending, potential for abuse, or legitimate business tool.

Frequency

Equally common in both varieties within business contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

submit an expense accounton the expense accountexpense account fraudcompany expense accounttravel expense account

medium

manage an expense accountexpense account policyexpense account receiptsexpense account limits

weak

generous expense accountmonthly expense accountexpense account abuseexpense account dinner

Grammar

Valency Patterns

have + an expense accountput something + on + (the) expense accountclaim + something + on + (the) expense accountbe + on + (the) expense account

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

charge accountcorporate cardcompany tab

Neutral

business accountcorporate spending accountreimbursement account

Weak

allowancebudgetcost centre

Vocabulary

Antonyms

personal accountprivate fundsout-of-pocket

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“on the company dime”
“living off the expense account”
“wining and dining on expenses”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Standard term for employee reimbursement systems in corporate finance and accounting.

Academic

Used in business studies, economics, and organisational behaviour research.

Everyday

Understood but less commonly used outside professional contexts; may imply privilege or corporate excess.

Technical

Specific accounting category for tracking and tax-deductible business expenditures.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

He tried to expense-account the theatre tickets, but his manager refused.
Can we expense-account this client lunch?

American English

She expense-accounted the rental car for the conference.
Don't try to expense-account your personal shopping.

adjective

British English

The expense-account culture in the bank was criticised.
He took her to an expense-account restaurant.

American English

Expense-account fraud is a serious offense.
They enjoyed an expense-account lifestyle while travelling.

Examples

By CEFR Level

My dad has an expense account for his work trips.
She put the taxi fare on her expense account.

You need to keep all receipts for your expense account.
The company gives sales staff a generous expense account.

Abuse of the corporate expense account led to new stricter policies.
All claims must be submitted through the online expense account system by Friday.

The scandal revealed a pervasive culture of lavish entertainment charged to executive expense accounts.
As a consultant, her per diem and accommodation were covered by her client's expense account.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: EXPENSE (cost) + ACCOUNT (record). It's the ACCOUNT where you record work EXPENSES to get paid back.

Conceptual Metaphor

BUSINESS IS A CONTAINER (for funds); WORK IS A JOURNEY (with costs covered).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque 'расходный счёт' which is too broad; use 'счёт на командировочные расходы' or 'служебный счёт' for clarity.
Do not confuse with 'счёт расходов' (bill of costs) which is different.

Common Mistakes

Using 'expensive account' (spelling error).
Using as a verb (e.g., 'I will expense account it').
Confusing with 'expense report' (the document, not the system).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Junior employees often must get manager approval before a large purchase to their expense account.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of an expense account?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. An expense account is the system or arrangement for reimbursement. An expense report is the specific document detailing costs submitted for repayment.
: Informally, yes (e.g., 'I'll expense-account it'), but it's non-standard. The standard verb is 'to expense' or 'to charge to an expense account'.
: Typically, yes, within policy limits (e.g., a daily meal allowance). Personal meals or extravagant spending usually are not reimbursable.
: A per diem is a fixed daily allowance paid regardless of actual costs. An expense account requires submitting actual receipts for reimbursement of specific, incurred costs.