a nominal amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nominal amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small or insignificant quantity, often in financial contexts. Example: "The service fee for processing the application is a nominal amount, making it affordable for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Add a nominal amount of kosher salt.

The New York Times

"You are getting the rest for a nominal amount".

The New York Times

The regulator said the new licences would cost a "nominal amount of £10,000".

The Guardian

The bank also sent him a cheque for a "nominal" amount of compensation.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Beketov was fined a nominal amount, which was then suspended.

The New York Times

She recalled Thinking Caps' early prices: "I was charging a nominal amount.

The New York Times

Then you pay a nominal amount each year for the privilege of downloading as many books as you like".

The New York Times

The participants are expected to pay a nominal amount toward these costs as well as provide their own transportation.

The New York Times - Arts

He said he pays a nominal amount for rent in exchange for sharing his construction workers with his landlord.

The New York Times

It will then give the land to the Queens West Development Corporation and lease it back for a nominal amount.

The New York Times

But a White House spokeswoman said the federal government would seek a nominal amount for the island.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nominal amount" when you want to emphasize that the quantity or cost is so low that it's almost insignificant.

Common error

Avoid using "a nominal amount" when the sum, even if small, actually matters to the context. "Nominal" implies it's barely worth considering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nominal amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small or insignificant quantity, often in financial contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nominal amount" is a phrase used to describe a small or insignificant quantity, often in financial contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While it’s a versatile phrase, it's important to ensure that the amount truly is insignificant in the given context, avoiding misuse. Alternatives include phrases like "a trivial amount" or "a small fee". Be sure that context is appropriate before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial amount

Emphasizes the insignificance of the quantity.

a negligible amount

Highlights that the quantity is so small it can be disregarded.

a small fee

Specifically refers to a low cost for a service or item.

a token amount

Suggests the amount is symbolic rather than substantial.

a modest sum

Implies a reasonable and not excessive quantity of money.

a minimal charge

Focuses on the low cost associated with something.

a trifling sum

Indicates the amount is of very little importance or value.

a peppercorn rent

A very low rent, often used symbolically.

a symbolic payment

Indicates that the payment is more for form than for actual value.

a mere pittance

Highlights the extreme smallness and inadequacy of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a nominal amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a nominal amount" to describe a small or insignificant quantity of something, often money. For example, "They charge "a nominal amount" for shipping and handling".

What can I say instead of "a nominal amount"?

You can use alternatives like "a trivial amount", "a negligible amount", or "a small fee" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at a nominal amount" instead of "for a nominal amount"?

While "for a nominal amount" is the more common and natural phrasing, "at a nominal amount" could be used in specific contexts, though it's less frequent. "For a nominal amount" typically indicates the price or cost.

What's the difference between "a nominal amount" and "a considerable amount"?

"A nominal amount" refers to a very small, almost insignificant quantity, whereas "a considerable amount" indicates a significant or substantial quantity. They are antonyms.