Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

With excitement and enthusiasm we started our small business. No longer did we have the security of a weekly paycheck. We now were on our own to generate an income to provide us with the money to live. I was a little anxious about our ability to do this. But, Byron believed in our products, and more so, believed in our ability to succeed.

So, we worked and produced a number of products to sell. We invested heavily in a market that provides local crafts for cruise ships coming into our area. The first ships arrived, and we barely made enough money to pay our EXPENSES. We now had our money invested in the booth that we had rented for the summer and fall months. We had a lot of money tied up in materials. But, we did not have enough money to cover our monthly BILLS. We were discouraged, and the thoughts of failure ran through our heads.
...
We redesigned our booth set up. We reviewed our pricing structure. And, we started making enough money to pay our __________.

A. bills B. expenses

In the second paragraph, both "bills" and "expenses" are used.

I cannot figure out the difference. As for the choice, i think both are acceptable. Am i right?

Thanks

[pugachevV]

Bill = a written or printed statement of the money owed for goods or services, such as the one you receive from the electricity company, the landlord, the telephone company and so on.

Expenses = the costs incurred or required for something. Costs incurred in the performance of a task or job.
i.e.all the money you spend to run your business. Expenses include all the items you get a bill for, the things you pay cash for and wages for employees, if any.