a nominal charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nominal charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small fee or cost that is charged for a service or item, often to cover administrative expenses. Example: "The library requires a nominal charge for late book returns to encourage timely returns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

A doctor and dentist, for a nominal charge.

The Guardian

Devices not meeting the minimum operating system requirements may involve a nominal charge for upgrade.

Cornell University

Treatment is free, after a nominal charge which is universal in Sweden.

The Economist

Trail guides are available for a nominal charge at the marine centre, where snorkelling equipment can also be hired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, Williams said: "You could also have a nominal charge for prescriptions for older people, with appropriate exemptions.

The Guardian

I later found out from Nissan Consumer Affairs that I could cancel it immediately for a nominal charge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Firefox will have an app store – which will charge a nominal commission – but it expects most apps to be downloaded directly from other websites or other app stores.

The Guardian - Tech

The most remarkable events of all may be the seven open rehearsals, comprising the final dress rehearsal prior to each weekend orchestra performance, each of which is open for a very nominal charge to the public ($10) and students ($0).

Huffington Post

A small nominal charge is levied for registration to the program, which is outweighed almost immediately by the savings made.

WikiHow

He was also the undisclosed owner of AC Financial, a brokerage firm with offices in Palm Harbor, Fla., and Pittsburgh, which he acquired through secret transactions that placed a relative in nominal charge, the complaint said.

The New York Times

The reason Athens had borrowed these ships from Corinth (actually it was a sale at nominal charge) was Athens' war, or series of wars, with Aegina, which had caused it to build a fleet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nominal charge" when you want to emphasize that a fee is very small, often just enough to cover basic costs or discourage frivolous use of a service. For example, "There's a nominal charge for using the community center's equipment to ensure its upkeep."

Common error

Don't use "a nominal charge" when the fee is actually significant. This phrase is meant to convey a very small cost, so misusing it can mislead people about the actual expense. Be transparent about fees, even if they seem small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nominal charge" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement, indicating a small fee or cost. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression for describing minor expenses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nominal charge" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small fee, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is found most frequently in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. The phrase is used to inform about a deliberately low cost, often intended to cover expenses rather than generate profit. Related phrases include "a small fee" and "a minimal fee". When using this phrase, ensure the fee truly reflects a minor expense to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fee

Replaces "charge" with "fee", emphasizing the monetary aspect while maintaining the idea of a low cost.

a minimal fee

Substitutes "nominal" with "minimal", stressing the insignificance of the cost.

a token charge

Uses "token" to highlight the symbolic nature of the charge, implying it's more for formality than profit.

a slight surcharge

Replaces "charge" with "surcharge", specifying that the cost is added on top of something else and is small.

a modest cost

Emphasizes the affordability and low value of the cost.

a low price

Directly states that the price is low, focusing on the monetary value.

a small payment

Highlights the act of paying a small amount.

a trifling expense

Uses "trifling" to underscore the unimportance of the expense.

a symbolic fee

Stresses that the fee is primarily for symbolic purposes, rather than substantial revenue.

a negligible amount

Indicates that the amount is so small it's almost not worth considering.

FAQs

What does "a nominal charge" mean?

The term "a nominal charge" refers to a very small or symbolic fee, typically intended to cover basic costs or deter misuse rather than generate significant profit.

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

You might say, "The museum entrance is free for members, but there's "a nominal charge" for non-members to help with maintenance costs."

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

Alternatives include "a small fee", "a minimal fee", or "a token charge", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a nominal charge" in formal writing?

Yes, "a nominal charge" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to accurately describe a very small fee. It's commonly used in business, academic, and news contexts.