a fixed allotment

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fixed allotment" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a set amount of resources or time that has been assigned or allocated to a particular group or purpose. For example, "The city distributed a fixed allotment of food to each family in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The House Republicans' "Better Way" agenda, unveiled in June, would give states a choice of a fixed allotment for each Medicaid beneficiary or a block grant for Medicaid.

The New York Times

That circuit implements something called a Bloom filter, which crams data into a fixed allotment of space and answers yes/no questions about its contents.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This hybrid approach, combining Medicaid's current payment formula with a fixed allotment of federal money for some costs, "has gained quite a bit of support among governors" on the negotiating team, Dr. Medows said.

The New York Times

Negotiators emphasized that it was not just Democrats resisting Mr. Bush's proposal to give each state a fixed allotment of federal money to cover all Medicaid costs in each of the next 10 years.

The New York Times

Worse, a fixed allotment of permits makes no adjustment for the business cycle (firms produce and pollute less during a recession).Cap-and-trade schemes cause unnecessary economic damage because the price of permits can be volatile.

The Economist

Additionally, the bank's chairman, Peter Kurer, would no longer receive any extra variable compensation, only a cash salary and a fixed allotment of shares that could not be sold for four years.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

States taking the new option would receive fixed allotments of federal money, based on a formula.

The New York Times

Drivers would get a fixed monthly allotment of credits, which they'd "spend" on tolls that would vary according to mileage and location.

MIT Technology Review

Brazil gobbles up the rest, purchasing Paraguay's surplus allotment at a fixed rate.

Los Angeles Times

Thucydides (3.50.2) states that the Lesbians arranged to work the allotments as renters, paying the colonists a fixed rental.

University of Chicago

The right to pollute was becoming a marketable commodity, through proposals like cap-and-trade, which would permit companies to emit a fixed amount of pollution and trade with others for their allotments.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a fixed allotment", ensure the context clearly defines what is being allotted, such as resources, funds, or time. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed allotment" without specifying the period or conditions under which the allotment applies. For example, clarify whether it's "a fixed monthly allotment" or "a fixed allotment per project" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed allotment" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific quantity or portion that has been predetermined and is unchangeable. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from government budgets to resource allocation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed allotment" is a noun phrase used to describe a predetermined and unchangeable quantity or portion of something. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions. While not extremely common, its meaning is clear and consistent. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a set allocation" or "a specific allocation". When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what is being allotted and the relevant time period to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples to illustrate its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set allocation

Replaces "fixed" with "set", emphasizing the pre-determined nature of the allotment.

a predetermined allowance

Substitutes "allotment" with "allowance", highlighting the permitted quantity.

a specific allocation

Uses "specific" instead of "fixed", focusing on the particularity of the allotment.

a prearranged quantity

Replaces both "fixed" and "allotment", stressing the pre-planned nature of the amount.

a designated portion

Substitutes "allotment" with "portion", indicating a specific share or segment.

a prescribed amount

Uses "prescribed" to denote an amount that has been officially set or recommended.

a stipulated share

Replaces "allotment" with "share", emphasizing the proportional nature of the allocation.

a constant quantity

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the amount, using "constant" instead of "fixed".

a defined allocation

Highlights the clarity and precision of the allotment through the use of "defined".

a guaranteed supply

Shifts the focus to the assurance of a certain amount being available, rather than just the amount itself.

FAQs

How can I use "a fixed allotment" in a sentence?

You can use "a fixed allotment" to describe a predetermined quantity or amount of something. For example, "Each department receives "a fixed allotment" of the budget annually."

What's the difference between "a fixed allotment" and "a set allowance"?

"A fixed allotment" typically refers to a specific allocation of resources or items, while "a set allowance" often refers to a permitted quantity, usually of money or resources, that can be used over a period.

Which is more appropriate, "a fixed allotment" or "a specific allocation"?

Both phrases are similar, but ""a fixed allotment"" emphasizes that the amount is unchangeable, whereas "a specific allocation" highlights that the allotment is designated for a particular purpose.

Are there any formal alternatives to "a fixed allotment" for business writing?

Yes, in formal business writing, you could use phrases like "a predetermined allowance", "a stipulated share", or "a designated portion" to convey the same meaning with a more professional tone.