A hefty sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A hefty sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of money or a significant financial figure. Example: "After selling the property, she received a hefty sum that allowed her to travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In real terms, they are separated by about $100 million a year — a hefty sum, but small in the context of these negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

All indications are that it was a hefty sum.

The New York Times

The penalty was reduced to $175m on settlement—still a hefty sum.

The Economist

Although still a hefty sum, Murdoch's annual pay packet was his smallest since 2003.

The Guardian

That offer came to $22 million per season, a hefty sum that could nonetheless be spun to look cheap.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a hefty sum, but hey -- the '80s revival looks as if it has a long way to go.

The New York Times

With 100 potential venues this could be a hefty sum which would come back to the government.

The Guardian - Sport

About the only sure thing is that, whatever he decides, it will cost the taxpayers a hefty sum.

The New York Times

They would end up paying a hefty sum in luxury tax, making the trade a bad one for monetary reasons.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a hefty sum for a single assignment, and it comes as merger activity in general has slackened.

The New York Times

When he tried to sell his debt-ridden casinos in Atlantic City for a hefty sum, there were no takers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hefty sum" when you want to emphasize not only the amount of money but also its impact or significance. It adds a touch of emphasis beyond simply saying "a large amount".

Common error

Avoid using "a hefty sum" to describe something large in size or weight. "Hefty" in this phrase specifically refers to a substantial monetary amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty sum" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It signifies a considerable amount of money or financial value. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty sum" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant amount of money. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and well-established in English. It's commonly found in news and business contexts, signaling a neutral yet somewhat emphatic way to describe a considerable financial figure. When writing, it's best to reserve "a hefty sum" for financial contexts, as the word 'hefty' implies a large amount specifically concerning money. Alternatives like ""a considerable amount"" or ""a significant amount"" can provide similar meanings while altering the level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A considerable amount

Replaces "hefty" with "considerable", suggesting a notable quantity but with slightly less emphasis on the largeness.

A substantial amount

Similar to "considerable amount", but "substantial" emphasizes the importance or significance of the sum.

A significant amount

Highlights the importance of the quantity.

A large sum of money

More explicit, directly stating that the hefty sum refers to money.

A considerable fortune

Uses "fortune" to imply a very large amount of money, potentially more than just a "sum".

A princely sum

Implies a sum fit for royalty, suggesting a very generous amount.

A large expenditure

Focuses on the act of spending a significant amount of money.

A costly amount

Highlights the high cost associated with something, using amount to refer to monetary value.

A pile of money

More informal, suggesting a large quantity of money, often in a physical sense.

A mint

Slang term meaning a very large amount of money.

FAQs

How can I use "a hefty sum" in a sentence?

You can use "a hefty sum" to describe a large amount of money. For example, "The company invested "a hefty sum" in research and development".

What can I say instead of "a hefty sum"?

Alternatives include "a considerable amount", "a substantial amount", or "a significant amount", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a hefty sum" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hefty sum" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though in highly formal contexts, "a substantial amount" might be preferred.

Does "a hefty sum" only refer to money?

Yes, "a hefty sum" specifically refers to a large quantity of money. If you're referring to something else that's large, use different words like "considerable" or "substantial" followed by the appropriate noun.