a nominal contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

'a nominal contribution' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to refer to a small donation or payment. For example, "I made a nominal contribution to the charity last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Ecker said the women had agreed to make a nominal contribution from their royalties to the writing program.

The New York Times

To start the benefits, those eligible will be asked to make a nominal contribution to the system before beginning to receive payments.

The New York Times

They are briefing residents about the 15 one-room huts they will build in return for a nominal contribution of money and labour.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While the work itself is generally unpaid, all flights, accommodation, insurance and language lessons are covered, and there is also a (very nominal) contribution towards living expenses.

The Guardian

Other QAP and NAP comprised a comparatively nominal contribution to diagnoses in all groups.

BMC Health Services Research

Interestingly, the contribution of the oldest age group (60 80) shot up from a nominal share (below 5%) to >35% during the same period.

Global Health Action

All interviews were conducted in English and lasted between 25 40 min. A nominal donation was made to each community/faith organisation from which an informant was recruited in recognition of their contribution to the study.

BMC Public Health

Overall, 73.4% of survey respondents expressed a willingness to make a nominal household contribution to a larviciding program, a proportion which decreased as the proposed contribution increased.

Duke University

School Management Committees are asked to commit to a nominal monthly fee as a token contribution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Their nominal contribution, along with the time donated by hundreds of volunteers, demonstrates the value the community places on the service.

The Guardian

In return, the state waives all other cost-sharing requirements in exchange for this nominal contribution.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nominal contribution" when you want to emphasize the small or symbolic nature of a donation or payment, rather than its actual monetary value. This is especially useful in contexts where participation or acknowledgement is more important than the amount given.

Common error

Avoid using "a nominal contribution" when a substantial amount is involved. The term implies a small and often symbolic gesture; using it for larger amounts can be misleading and undermine the perceived value of the contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nominal contribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that it is accepted in standard English. This phrase describes a contribution that is small in value, often more symbolic than substantial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nominal contribution" refers to a small or symbolic payment, fee, or donation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. It is important to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the minor monetary value of something, highlighting its symbolic or participatory purpose instead. While versatile, it's best suited for professional or formal communication. Avoid using it when describing significant financial transactions as it can be misleading. Alternatives like "a token payment" or "a small donation" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a token payment

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the payment rather than its monetary value.

a small donation

Highlights the charitable aspect of the contribution, emphasizing its modest size.

a symbolic gesture

Focuses on the action as a representation of intent, minimizing the importance of the actual offering.

a minimal fee

Specifically refers to a charge that is kept very low.

a modest offering

Suggests a humble and unassuming contribution.

a slight payment

Highlights the minor nature of the financial transaction.

a trivial amount

Indicates that the quantity is insignificant or negligible.

an insignificant sum

Emphasizes the lack of financial importance.

a peppercorn fee

An idiomatic expression signifying a very small or token payment.

a featherweight contribution

Conveys the idea that the contribution is insubstantial.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nominal contribution" to describe a small payment or donation, such as "The organization asks for "a nominal contribution" to cover administrative costs".

What are some alternatives to "a nominal contribution"?

Alternatives to "a nominal contribution" include "a token payment", "a small donation", or "a minimal fee" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a nominal contribution" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate a small or symbolic payment. However, ensure the context aligns with the implication of a minor or symbolic amount.

What does "nominal" mean in the context of "a nominal contribution"?

In this context, "nominal" means something that is so small it is hardly worth considering or is merely tokenistic. It indicates that the contribution is more symbolic than substantial.