a nominal fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nominal fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small or minimal charge for a service or item, often implying that the fee is not significant. Example: "To access the premium features of the app, users are required to pay a nominal fee of $5 per month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The musicians receive a nominal fee.

The New York Times

Practitioners usually charge their patients a nominal fee.

Britannica

"I wouldn't have any problem with" a nominal fee.

The Washington Post

Docent-led tours can be scheduled for a nominal fee.

University of California, Berkeley

Even the company itself describes the charge as "a nominal fee".

The Guardian - Tech

Step 3: For a nominal fee, you can obtain a catalog subscription.

The New York Times

• Cisco has paid the everyday people what it calls a nominal fee for their efforts.

The New York Times - Tech

Contributors to The Vines and other self-publishing sites are paid a nominal fee.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Visiting students pay a nominal fee-for-service.

Johns Hopkins University

a. Nominal fee; airfare to board meetings.

Forbes

You might pay a nominal fee of a couple of dollars.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a nominal fee", ensure the context clearly indicates that the amount is small relative to the value received. This sets appropriate expectations for the service or item being offered.

Common error

Avoid using "a nominal fee" for amounts that might be perceived as significant by your audience. Overestimating what constitutes a "nominal" amount can lead to dissatisfaction or mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nominal fee" functions as a noun phrase, where "nominal" acts as a pre-modifying adjective specifying the type of fee. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nominal fee" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a small or insignificant charge for a service or product. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves the communicative purpose of informing about a cost that is intentionally presented as minor. For situations where an alternative is needed, phrases such as "a small fee" or "a minimal charge" can be used, with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fee

This alternative is simpler and more direct, emphasizing the low cost.

a minimal charge

This alternative focuses on the insignificance of the charge.

a slight fee

This alternative suggests a very small and almost negligible cost.

a token fee

This implies the fee is more symbolic than substantial.

a modest fee

This suggests the fee is reasonable and not excessive.

a symbolic charge

Similar to "token fee", it emphasizes the symbolic nature of the payment.

a trifling fee

This alternative indicates the fee is of little importance.

a negligible fee

This highlights that the fee is so small it can be disregarded.

a reduced fee

This suggests the fee has been lowered from a previous amount.

a discounted fee

This indicates the fee is offered at a lower price than usual, often for a limited time or specific group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nominal fee" to describe a small charge for something, such as "We charge "a nominal fee" for processing the application".

What's a good alternative to "a nominal fee"?

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

Is it always appropriate to use "a nominal fee"?

It's best to use "a nominal fee" when the charge is truly insignificant compared to the overall cost or value. If the fee is substantial, consider using alternatives like "service charge" or "processing fee".

What is the difference between "a nominal fee" and "a standard fee"?

"A nominal fee" implies a very small, almost symbolic charge, while "a standard fee" suggests a typical or regular price for a service.