a fixed sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, unchanging amount of money or value. Example: "The contract stipulates that the payment will be made in a fixed sum at the end of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are a fixed sum.

University of California, Berkeley

A debtor contracts to pay a fixed sum in interest every year.

The Guardian - Business

Kelly is expected to say that the payment should be a fixed sum.

The Guardian

But it depends on a "composition agreement" under which creditors accept a fixed sum.

The Guardian - Sport

But rates have a big impact on charitable remainder annuity trusts, which pay a fixed sum to the donor.

The New York Times

Under the new system, starting in 2020 Washington would pay the states only a fixed sum for each enrollee.

The New Yorker

It's hard to compete on price, Keck argues, when most of your customers know they'll pay a fixed sum.

The Washington Post

It commits the auction house to pay the would-be vendor a fixed sum, generally set slightly below the low estimate, whether or not the item sells.

The New York Times - Arts

Examples could be a decorator agreeing to paint a house for a set fee or a courier agreeing to deliver something for a fixed sum.

The Guardian - Money

In another study, participants played the role of allocator in a so-called "ultimatum game". The allocator had to divide a fixed sum between himself and another party.

Harvard University

Previously in the Sāsānian empire taxes had been levied on the yield of land; Khosrow established a fixed sum rather than a yearly variation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fixed sum", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sum refers to, especially when dealing with financial or contractual agreements. State the currency or unit of measure for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a fixed sum" automatically implies a large amount. The phrase only indicates a specific, unchanging quantity, regardless of its magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed sum" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a specific and unchanging amount, frequently in financial or contractual contexts. Ludwig examples highlight its usage in describing payments and allocations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed sum" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a specific and unchanging amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. To ensure clarity, always specify the units (e.g., currency) when using this phrase. While "a fixed sum" indicates a set quantity, it does not inherently imply the amount is large, and it differs from ""a lump sum"", which denotes a one-time payment. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set amount

This alternative is more general and can apply to various contexts, not just monetary ones.

a predetermined amount

Emphasizes the prior establishment of the amount, highlighting the planning aspect.

a specific sum

Focuses on the distinct and particular nature of the sum.

a defined quantity

Broadens the concept to include non-monetary items, focusing on the precise measurement.

a stipulated amount

Highlights the contractual or agreed-upon nature of the sum.

a constant sum

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the amount over time or across different situations.

a guaranteed amount

Emphasizes the security and assurance associated with receiving that particular sum.

a lump sum

Implies a single payment rather than recurring installments.

a settled amount

Suggests that the amount has been agreed upon after negotiation or discussion.

a known quantity

Shifts the focus to the certainty and predictability of the amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fixed sum" to describe payments, budgets, or allocations. For example: "The government provides each state "a fixed sum" to run its welfare program".

What are some alternatives to saying "a fixed sum"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a set amount", "a predetermined amount", or "a specific sum".

Is it correct to say "the fixed sum" instead of "a fixed sum"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "the fixed sum" implies that there's a specific, already-identified sum, whereas "a fixed sum" introduces the idea of a defined amount for the first time.

What's the difference between "a fixed sum" and "a lump sum"?

"A fixed sum" refers to a specific, unchanging amount, while "a lump sum" specifically means a single payment made at one time, rather than in installments.