a nominal payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nominal payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or minimal amount of money paid, often in a context where the payment is symbolic rather than substantial. Example: "To secure your spot in the workshop, we require a nominal payment of $10."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There is no prize money (just a nominal payment).

The New York Times - Arts

However, no-one would be excluded and this would be a nominal payment to cover costs.

The Guardian

President Bush's recent declaration that he will return Governors Island to the city and state of New York for a nominal payment is welcome news indeed.

The New York Times

"The removal of the class action as an issue in return for a nominal payment removes a cloud that has been hanging over the stock," said Richard Holloway, an outside spokesman for Parmalat.

The New York Times

A nominal payment toward a lease or loan, the chief justice said, would entitle a debtor to shelter about $28,000 over five years, while outright ownership would allow no deductions.

The New York Times

Subjects receive a nominal payment but much more important, says Gürerk, is that the subject understands the rules and behaves as if they were in a real life situation.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Participants, who completed the interview, received a nominal expenses payment of £10 (ten UK pounds).

BMC International Health and Human Rights

To have her making another nominal payment on behalf of us all is just as it should be.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Zinberg, chairman and chief executive of the online jewelry auctioneer Bidz.com, made just that choice earlier this month, saying he would accept the nominal payment instead of the $267,083 salary he earned last year.

The New York Times

Michael Meltz, analyst at Bear Stearns, argues that Stewart's company will receive only nominal payment for the prime-time reality show since Burnett's firm will own the program.

Forbes

These salaries per annum reflected the living costs of the day; however today the amount is seen only as nominal payment.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nominal payment" when you want to emphasize that the amount of money exchanged is small or symbolic, often intended to cover costs or formalize an agreement rather than provide significant compensation.

Common error

Avoid using "a nominal payment" when the amount being paid is actually substantial or intended as fair compensation. This can create confusion and undermine the perceived value of the exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nominal payment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'nominal' modifies the noun 'payment'. It typically describes a payment that is very small or insignificant in amount, often used to satisfy a technical requirement rather than to provide substantial compensation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nominal payment" signifies a small or symbolic transfer of money, often used to satisfy requirements, cover minimal costs, or formalize agreements rather than providing significant compensation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and primarily appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "a token payment" and "a small payment". When using this phrase, ensure the payment truly reflects a minimal amount and isn't misrepresented as substantial compensation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small payment

Emphasizes the payment's diminutive size.

a token payment

Highlights the symbolic nature of the payment.

a minimal payment

Focuses on the payment being the lowest possible amount.

a symbolic payment

Stresses that the payment is more representative than substantial.

a trifling payment

Indicates the payment is insignificant.

a negligible payment

Suggests the payment is so small it can be disregarded.

a modest payment

Highlights the payment's humble size.

a reduced payment

Indicates a lower amount compared to a standard payment.

a discounted payment

Implies a price reduction or special offer.

a heavily reduced payment

Indicates a significantly lower payment.

FAQs

What does "a nominal payment" mean?

It refers to a very small or symbolic payment, often made to satisfy a legal requirement or acknowledge an agreement without involving a significant sum of money.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a nominal payment"?

Use it when the payment is intentionally small and not meant to be a substantial reimbursement or compensation. For example, a company might offer "a token payment" to participants in a research study to cover their travel expenses.

What are some alternatives to "a nominal payment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a small payment", "a token payment", "a minimal fee", or "a reduced payment".

How does "a nominal payment" differ from a standard payment?

A standard payment is typically intended to cover the full cost of goods or services, while "a nominal payment" is a greatly reduced amount that may only partially cover expenses or serve as a symbolic gesture.