a modest payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a payment that is relatively small or not extravagant, often in a context where the amount is considered reasonable or appropriate. Example: "After reviewing the services provided, we agreed on a modest payment for the work completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

(He eventually received a modest payment from MGM, and substantial royalty payments).

The New Yorker

But with land prices skyrocketing, many farmers are more likely to sell land than take a modest payment to preserve grassland.

The New York Times

Ms. Stewart settled her civil case for a modest payment after spending about five months in prison for her criminal conviction.

The New York Times

In the contrived opening scene, Jo-Lynn and Chick negotiate an unlikely deal that trades a murder for a modest payment and certain sexual favors.

The New York Times

Alongside the withdrawal of benefits for disabled people and working families with children you could introduce a modest payment for kittens and puppies.

The Guardian - Opinion

When someone opens up their home and offers a sometimes-uncomfortable intimacy in exchange for a modest payment, you tacitly accept all their peccadillos and prejudices – from flying ducks to Toilet Duck.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Performance targets are one component of modest center-directed incentive payments[ 30].

BMC Health Services Research

The banks themselves are holding out for a much more modest payment of $5 billion, and though the momentum has shifted in favor of the banks lately, the uncertainty about how big the inevitable hit will be has further undermined shares.

The New York Times

Universities Scotland, the umbrella body for higher education institutions, said the case for a "fair and modest" payment by Scottish graduates was now unanswerable if current levels of teaching and student numbers were to be maintained.

The Guardian

Even that is a modest down payment on the larger cuts the tax plan calls for.

The New York Times

A basic income is a modest cash payment (in this case, a third of subsistence), paid individually, unconditionally, universally and monthly, guaranteed as a right.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating contracts or discussing fees, use "a modest payment" to convey transparency and avoid the impression of overcharging. For example: "We require only "a modest payment" upfront to begin the project."

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "modest" to describe payments in scenarios where higher compensation is warranted. It can undermine your credibility and the perceived value of your services.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest payment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a financial transaction where the amount is considered reasonable or not excessive. As Ludwig AI underlines, this construction is commonly used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest payment" denotes a reasonable and not overly large financial exchange. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and used across varied sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and wikis. While categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, this phrase serves a crucial communicative function: conveying fairness and transparency in monetary matters. Be aware of when the term is used, as overusing it can diminish trust if a service or product warrants a higher value. Alternatives like "a small fee" or "a reasonable charge" may better suit different contexts. Knowing these variations allows for nuanced communication, ensuring clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fee

Focuses on the fee aspect, implying a charge for a service or access, differing slightly from a general payment.

a reasonable charge

Emphasizes the fairness and acceptability of the amount, shifting the focus to justification.

a nominal sum

Highlights the insignificance of the amount, suggesting it's almost symbolic.

a slight remuneration

Replaces payment with a more formal term for compensation, slightly elevating the register.

a humble compensation

Emphasizes the humbleness of the compensation, highlighting a sense of modesty and fairness.

a fair price

Implies an exchange of value where the cost is considered equal to the benefit.

a small contribution

Suggests the payment is part of a larger effort or cause, minimizing the individual significance.

a token payment

Similar to a nominal sum, this emphasizes the symbolic nature of the payment rather than its actual value.

a limited expense

Shifts the focus to the cost incurred, presenting the payment as a contained and manageable expenditure.

a scaled-down reimbursement

Focuses on a reduced repayment amount, indicating that an expense is being partially covered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest payment" to describe a fee or compensation that is reasonable and not excessive. For instance, "The company offered "a modest payment" for the temporary inconvenience caused by the construction."

What's a more formal way to say "a modest payment"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "a reasonable remuneration" or "a nominal fee" to convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

Is "a modest payment" always appropriate, or are there times to avoid it?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a modest payment" if the situation warrants significant compensation, as it might undermine the perceived value or importance of the transaction. Use alternative like "a substantial fee" instead.

What's the difference between "a modest payment" and "a small fee"?

"A modest payment" generally describes a fair and reasonable amount, while "a small fee" emphasizes the low cost or inexpensive nature of the transaction. The appropriateness depends on the context and desired nuance.