a minimal fee

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minimal fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally refers to a very small fee that is being charged for something. For example: "For a minimal fee, we can provide you with a full service tune-up for your car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In exchange, Nick paid the neighbor a minimal fee.

The New Yorker

The records are typically available from credit card companies, which sometimes charge a minimal fee for them.

The New York Times

Do you a) capitalise on the love people are showing your product and license the game for a minimal fee?

The Guardian - Opinion

Once you buy, manufacturers offer a trial period during which you can return your hearing aid at no cost or for a minimal fee.

The New York Times - Health

Now, almost every state allows you to freeze (and unfreeze) your credit report, some free and some for a minimal fee.

The New York Times

"He's paying me a minimal fee, so we're both making a bit of money out of the arrangement," Mr. Boivin said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"For a very minimal fee kids up to a certain weight could get a ride on a big turtle — one of those Galápagos turtles," he recalled, sounding incredulous at the very idea.

The New Yorker

Mininger said he could do it for a relatively minimal fee and break even, because his workers were already there collecting the No. 1's.

The New York Times - Magazine

Also, upon the enactment of the Hospital Fees Decree 1969 which was later amended into the Hospital Fees Act 1971, a minimal user fee was charged to cover hospital procedures.

Health Economics Review

How can I get out of collection since I can't pay off the loans in full right now and can only pay a minimal monthly fee of $200 a month, since my other student loans are $300 a month for the interest..... IM DROWNING!!!!

Huffington Post

The cost to participate in the Work Exchange Volunteer program is $25, but that minimal fee gets you a full access pass to the Disrupt conference.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fee as "minimal", ensure the context clarifies what the fee is for, and why it is considered minimal in relation to the value or service provided.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal fee" when the fee is actually significant. Always consider the audience's perspective on what constitutes a small cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal fee" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as an object of a preposition or a complement within a sentence. It describes the nature of a cost or charge, indicating that it is very small or insignificant. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is generally used to explain a price of some kind.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

19%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimal fee" is a noun phrase denoting a very small cost or charge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "a small charge" and "a nominal cost". When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the 'minimal' nature of the fee.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A small charge

Replaces "fee" with "charge", implying a similar but potentially broader scope of cost.

A nominal cost

Uses "nominal" to emphasize that the cost is very low and often symbolic.

A slight expense

Substitutes "fee" with "expense", suggesting a minor expenditure.

A modest payment

Employs "modest payment" to convey a small and reasonable amount of money.

A low rate

Focuses on the "rate" being minimal, suitable for ongoing services or subscriptions.

A negligible sum

Highlights that the amount is so small it can be ignored or is insignificant.

A trifling amount

Indicates the fee is of little consequence or value.

A reduced tariff

Specifically relates to duties or taxes, implying a lower than usual rate.

A bargain price

Suggests that the fee is exceptionally low, indicating good value.

A discounted rate

Implies that the fee has been reduced from a standard or higher price.

FAQs

How can I use "a minimal fee" in a sentence?

You can use "a minimal fee" to describe a service or product that requires a very small payment. For example, "Users can access basic features for free, and premium features for "a minimal fee"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a minimal fee"?

Alternatives include "a small charge", "a nominal cost", or "a slight expense", all suggesting a low cost.

Is it appropriate to use "a minimal fee" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minimal fee" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a small cost. However, ensure the tone matches the context. More formal alternatives might be preferred in some situations.

What's the difference between "a minimal fee" and "a nominal fee"?

"A minimal fee" indicates the fee is very small. "A nominal fee" often implies the fee is symbolic, more for the sake of formality than actual revenue generation. They are highly similar, and the choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.