a lump sum

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lump sum" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a single, large amount of money that is paid all at once, rather than in smaller installments. Example: The lottery winner chose to receive their winnings as a lump sum rather than annual payments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Should I take a lump sum?

The Guardian - Money

But a lump sum of £15m does seem a lot.

The Guardian - Money

How much should Bridie take as a lump sum?

The Guardian - Money

You couldn't take it all as a lump sum.

The Guardian - Money

Should I take my pension out in a lump sum?

The New York Times

Students not eligible for work-study funding will receive a lump sum payment of $1,600.

Cornell University

It is generally given in a lump sum for the year.

Columbia University

For instance, many companies donate a lump sum to charities each year.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The employee could elect to receive instead a lump-sum payment.

Harvard University

There may also be a transfer - positive or negative (a lump-sum tax) - from the government.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Implicit in this recommendation is the availability of a lump-sum tax instrument.

Journal of Monetary Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, clarify whether "a lump sum" is pre-tax or post-tax to avoid misunderstandings. Taxes can significantly reduce the actual amount received.

Common error

Avoid using "a lump sum" when referring to payments made in installments. "A lump sum" specifically denotes a single, complete payment, while installments are partial payments made over time.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a lump sum" is that of a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a single, large payment or amount, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lump sum" is a common noun phrase that refers to a single, large payment. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase is particularly frequent in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using "a lump sum", it's important to specify whether it is pre-tax or post-tax and to avoid confusing it with installment payments. Alternatives include "one-time payment" or "single payment". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is valid and provides numerous examples of its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-time payment

Focuses on the single instance of payment, similar to a lump sum.

single payment

Highlights the singularity of the payment.

total payment

Emphasizes the completeness of the payment in one go.

bulk payment

Implies a large payment made at once.

entire amount

Stresses that the complete amount is given.

full amount

Highlights that the payment covers the entirety of what is owed or expected.

one-off payment

Commonly used in British English, indicating a single, non-recurring payment.

aggregate payment

Emphasizes the combined nature of the payment into one sum.

comprehensive payment

Conveys the payment's all-inclusive nature.

global payment

Suggests the payment is all-encompassing and final.

FAQs

How is "a lump sum" typically used in financial contexts?

In financial contexts, "a lump sum" refers to a single, large payment made all at once, rather than in smaller, regular installments. For example, a retirement payout or a lottery winning can be received as "a lump sum".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a lump sum"?

You can use alternatives like "one-time payment", "single payment", or "total payment" depending on the context.

Is it better to receive money as "a lump sum" or in installments?

Whether it's better to receive money as "a lump sum" or in installments depends on individual circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance. A lump sum provides immediate access to funds but requires careful management, while installments offer a steady income stream over time.

What are the tax implications of receiving "a lump sum"?

Receiving "a lump sum" can have significant tax implications, potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket. It's essential to consult with a financial advisor to understand the tax consequences and plan accordingly.