a generous sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of money or resources that is considered ample or abundant. Example: "The charity received a generous sum from the local business, which will greatly help their cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

By ordinary standards, $258 million is a generous sum.

MIT Technology Review

Parliament, moreover, had voted to give Massachusetts a generous sum in compensation for its war expenses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But even such a generous sum did not in itself guarantee success.

The Economist

It is a generous sum that will be used to promote education, science, public policy and the arts.

The Guardian

Apart from a generous sum of money, what did you get out of your MacArthur award in 2002?

The Guardian - Books

From a military perspective, a half million dollars is a generous sum, more than double the compensation of a four star leader in charge of a theater of war.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A pair of old shoes, owned previously by indie oddball Mac DeMarco, have been sold via eBay for a surprisingly generous sum.

The Guardian - Music

(Before the Universal deal was closed, Grey bought out Brillstein for what Brillstein says was a "very generous" sum).

Forbes

Pull up a generous amount.

WikiHow

Scottish jute magnate Sir James Caird gave £24,000, Midlands industrialist Frank Dudley Docker gave £10,000 and tobacco heiress Janet Stancomb-Wills gave an undisclosed but reportedly "generous" sum.

Wikipedia

Like most industrial workers who are let go, Mr. Mikami received a generous lump sum payment from his company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a generous sum", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured (e.g., money, resources, time) and why it is considered generous.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous sum" when the amount is objectively small or insignificant, even if it seems substantial in a specific, limited context. Ensure the term reflects a genuinely ample quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous sum" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a quantity of something, typically money, that is considered ample or abundant. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a generous sum" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a significant amount of money or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers, though it is most prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the 'generous' label and that the amount being discussed is truly substantial. Alternative phrases such as "a substantial amount" or "a considerable quantity" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial amount

Focuses on the size or significance of the amount.

a considerable quantity

Highlights the largeness of the amount, focusing on quantity.

a significant contribution

Emphasizes the impact and importance of the amount given.

a handsome payment

Indicates a substantial and pleasing amount of money.

a sizable donation

Focuses specifically on a charitable contribution of a notable size.

a princely sum

Suggests a very large and impressive amount of money, often with a sense of grandeur.

a lavish contribution

Implies an extravagance and abundance in the amount given.

a liberal allowance

Highlights the ample provision or granting of resources or money.

a bountiful offering

Evokes a sense of abundance and generosity in the provision of something.

a munificent grant

Emphasizes the generosity and large scale of a financial gift or allocation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a generous sum" to describe a large amount of money or resources. For instance, "The university received "a generous sum" from alumni, which will fund new research projects."

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

Alternatives include "a substantial amount", "a considerable quantity", or "a significant contribution", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a generous sum" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing financial or charitable contributions. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall style.

What's the difference between "a generous sum" and "a hefty sum"?

"A generous sum" implies that the amount is ample and freely given, often with positive connotations. "A hefty sum", on the other hand, simply denotes a large amount of money, without necessarily implying generosity. The context will determine which phrase is more appropriate.