a modest fee

USAGE SUMMARY

'a modest fee' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an amount of money that is relatively small or inexpensive. For example: "The lawyer charged a modest fee for her services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They charge a modest fee to join.

The New York Times

For a modest fee, customers can store valuable personal content in a Yahoo!

The Economist

Upright Citizens Brigade artists also say that stage time is more valuable than a modest fee.

The New York Times

It charges nothing for low amounts of data, and a modest fee for bigger requests.

The Economist

The bootblack is charged a modest fee for the route and the shoe shine box.

The New Yorker

Access is free, and skates can be rented at a modest fee.

The New York Times

For those with younger children, nannies are available for a modest fee all day long.

The New York Times - Travel

It offered piano lessons for a modest fee, and franchises spread to other cities.

The New York Times

It requires employers to offer coverage or pay a modest fee.

The New York Times

The SGS inspection involved a one-day visit, largely seeking yes-no answers, probably for a modest fee.

The New York Times

Second, any passenger who wishes to purchase extra legroom can usually do so for a modest fee.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing pricing or costs, use "a modest fee" to convey affordability and reasonable value, especially when you want to avoid alarming potential customers with high figures.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest fee" in legally binding documents where precise amounts are crucial. Always specify the exact numerical value to prevent ambiguity and potential disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest fee" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, with examples showing it describing costs or charges that are considered reasonable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest fee" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a cost or charge considered reasonable and affordable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. To ensure clarity and precision in formal documents, it is recommended to provide the specific numerical value of the fee. Related phrases include "a reasonable charge", "a small payment", and "a nominal sum". When you aim to convey affordability and value, "a modest fee" is a useful and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable charge

Emphasizes the fairness and justification of the payment amount.

a small payment

Focuses on the minimal monetary value involved.

a nominal sum

Highlights the symbolic or token nature of the payment.

a slight expense

Reframes the fee as a cost or expenditure.

a low tariff

Implies a charge, usually for services, that is deliberately kept low.

a minimal cost

Stresses the affordability and lack of financial burden.

a fair price

Suggests the payment is just and equitable for both parties.

a reduced rate

Indicates a lower than usual or standard payment amount.

a discounted price

Highlights that the price has been lowered from its original amount.

a token payment

Implies the payment is largely symbolic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest fee" to describe the cost of a service or product that is relatively low. For example, "The museum charges "a modest fee" for admission."

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

Alternatives to "a modest fee" include "a reasonable charge", "a small payment", or "a nominal sum", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a small fee" or "a modest fee"?

"A small fee" and "a modest fee" are largely interchangeable. "Modest" often implies reasonableness and fairness, while "small" simply indicates the size of the payment.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a modest fee"?

It's appropriate to use the term "a modest fee" when you want to emphasize that the cost is not prohibitive and represents good value for the service or product offered. It's often used in marketing and informational contexts.