a modest outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or reasonable amount of money spent on something. Example: "The project was completed with a modest outlay, making it a cost-effective solution for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At how many other Michelin-starred restaurants can you get supper for such a modest outlay?

Independent

This is a modest outlay by comparison with the past cost of servicing a loan.Both arguments are flawed.

The Economist

With a modest outlay here, the Pentagon has dealt a blow to Islamist radicals and sharpened the skills of an ally.

The Economist

With a modest outlay of $4m, the makers do not need millions of bums on seats to make a profit, she said.

The Guardian - Film

But a modest outlay to keep the government up to speed on aggressive lunatics in those countries is an insurance premium worth paying.

The Guardian - Opinion

With a few tweaks to make it television-ready, and a modest outlay by the charter center, the clip has been playing this week as a 30-second commercial on NY1, the New York City cable news channel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

For a relatively modest outlay (0.8% of GDP), Brazil is getting a good return.

The Economist

BBC Alba has reached a watershed in its existence when, despite its success, it is at a point where the corporation chiefs in London must decide if it will assist further in its development for a relatively modest outlay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, it is not just the winner that wins here – for a very modest outlay holiday companies are boosting their social media presence, and there have been a string of such opportunities offered by savvy travel operators.

The Guardian - Travel

Yet over the past two decades, with a relatively modest outlay of $1.5 billion, the chairman of the Shui On Group has turned his building-materials and construction firm into one of the most consistently successful foreign investors in China.When it comes to parlaying social connections into business opportunities few can match Mr Lo.

The Economist

Other retailers are unlikely to want to spend quite so much, but the cost of the technology involved is constantly falling, and some of the key items – such as networked screens with content programmable over the Internet – can be installed on their own for a much more modest outlay.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a modest outlay" with verbs like "require", "incur", or "involve" to clearly indicate the spending associated with a particular activity or project.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest outlay" when the amount of money involved is actually significant or substantial. Ensure the adjective 'modest' accurately reflects the scale of the expenditure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest outlay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes the amount of money spent on something, often emphasizing its relative smallness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest outlay" is a noun phrase used to describe a small or reasonable expenditure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating cost-effectiveness or value. Alternative phrases include "a small investment" or "a reasonable expense". When using "a modest outlay", ensure that the term accurately reflects the scale of the expense and avoid using it for significant sums. Ludwig's analysis of authoritative sources, such as The Economist and The Guardian, shows that the expression is suitable for professional and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small investment

Focuses on the aspect of investing rather than just spending, implying a return.

a reasonable expense

Emphasizes the justification and acceptability of the cost.

a low cost

Highlights the inexpensiveness of something.

a minimal expenditure

Stresses the extremely small amount of money involved.

a slight expense

Indicates that the cost is barely noticeable or significant.

a fair price

Highlights the fairness of the price.

a trivial cost

Emphasizes that the cost is insignificant.

a small price to pay

Suggests that the expense is worth the benefit gained.

a budget-friendly option

Focuses on affordability and suitability for those with limited funds.

an economical option

Highlights the cost-effectiveness and frugality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest outlay" to describe an expense that is relatively small or reasonable. For example, "The project was completed with "a modest outlay", making it a cost-effective solution."

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

Alternatives include "a small investment", "a reasonable expense", or "a low cost", depending on the specific context.

Is "a modest outlay" formal or informal?

"A modest outlay" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall formality of the communication.

What does "a modest outlay" imply about the benefits?

"A modest outlay" often implies that the benefits or returns are disproportionately large compared to the amount spent. It suggests that something valuable was achieved with relatively little expenditure.