a nominal cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nominal cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small or minimal fee that is charged for a service or product, often to cover administrative expenses rather than to generate profit. Example: "The workshop has a nominal cost of $10 to cover materials and refreshments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Parking for the weekend is available for a nominal cost.

Columbia University

There is only a nominal cost difference anyway for the compounded ingredients of varying doses.

The New York Times

CPR is easy to learn, and training is often offered free or at a nominal cost.

Harvard University

Miscellaneous airport fees may have resulted in some passengers paying a nominal cost for the tickets.

Independent

The job paid Ms. Gaton $650 every two weeks and included health insurance at a nominal cost.

The New York Times

For a nominal cost, they can give a surprisingly large part of the experience of real flying.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the same time, online businesses pay only nominal costs as warehouse values are far lower than prime high street property.

The Guardian

Recent estimates in the decline of infection, severe itch, visual impairment and blindness for 15 APOC countries from 1995 to 2010 show that control operations have averted more than 6·3 million DALYs, at a relatively nominal cost of US$2577 million[ 49].

Health Research Policy and Systems

The shows had been bought by the BBC for a "low or nominal cost" from independent producers.

The Guardian

The trust is deeply concerned at this and we very much regret that these programmes failed to live up to the editorial standards we set for the BBC". As a result of the investigation the BBC World News channel has been banned from buying programmes for a low or nominal cost and it will "no longer accept sponsorship from non-commercial organisations".

The Guardian

As inflation and interest-rate worries work themselves back to the forefront of investors' minds, the outcome will be a jump in the nominal cost of capital globally.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a nominal cost", ensure it's clear what the fee covers. Providing context helps the audience understand why the cost is being charged, even if it's minimal.

Common error

Avoid confusing "nominal", meaning small or insignificant, with "named", which refers to something designated by a name. Using "named cost" instead of "nominal cost" changes the meaning entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nominal cost" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "cost". It describes the cost as being small or insignificant. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a nominal cost" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small or insignificant expense. As verified by Ludwig AI, it serves to communicate affordability and is frequently used across various contexts including News & Media, Academia, and Science. Alternatives such as "a small fee" or "a minimal charge" can be used for similar effect. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what the fee covers. Be aware of potential confusion with "named cost", which has a completely different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A small fee

Replaces "nominal cost" with a more straightforward term for a small charge.

A minimal charge

Similar to "small fee", emphasizing the insignificance of the expense.

A negligible expense

Focuses on the insignificance of the cost in relation to overall budget.

A token payment

Highlights that the payment is symbolic rather than substantial.

A modest price

Suggests that the cost is within reasonable limits and not excessive.

A trifling sum

Emphasizes that the amount of money is very small and unimportant.

At cost

Implies the item is sold without profit, only covering expenses.

Virtually free

Exaggerates the affordability, suggesting the cost is negligible.

Rock-bottom price

Indicates the price is as low as it can possibly go.

Giveaway price

Highlights the extremely low cost, making it highly attractive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nominal cost" to indicate that something is available for a very small fee. For example, "The workshop is offered at "a nominal cost" to cover materials."

What's the difference between "a nominal cost" and "a symbolic fee"?

While both imply a low price, ""a nominal cost"" usually covers basic expenses, while "a symbolic fee" suggests the price is more for representation than actual value.

What are some alternatives to saying "a nominal cost"?

Alternatives include "a small fee", "a minimal charge", or "a token payment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, ""a nominal cost"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a widely understood term. However, in very formal settings, you might consider using "a minimal charge".