a one-time outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one-time outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single expenditure or investment that is not expected to recur in the future. Example: "The project requires a one-time outlay of funds to cover initial setup costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The budget also calls for a one-time outlay of $11.8 billion to preserve teaching jobs and increase hiring as the economy recovers.

The New York Times

Starting July 2nd, existing T-Mobile customers will be able to add unlimited VOIP home phone service for $10 extra per month, plus a one-time outlay of $50 for a T-Mobile-branded Linksys wireless router with built-in VOIP functionality.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The First Step to Take If someone in the family needs a hand, from a one-time cash outlay to routine day care, I think you can head off a defection in the ranks by immediately launching a conversation or a series of conversations with the clan.

Huffington Post

Groupon argues that adding customers through marketing is a one-time process, stock compensation does not result in direct cash outlays, and taxes and interest payments are not relevant because Groupon does not have debt and is still technically "losing money".

The New York Times

Such outlays, not to mention the strain on human resources on campus, might seem a lot for a university to pay for some visibility and a one-time enhancement of its student experience.

The New York Times

It's usually a one-time thing.

The New York Times

"It was just a one-time thing.

The New York Times - Sports

The landing was a one-time drama.

The New York Times

That was mostly a one-time exposure.

The New York Times

This is not a one-time effort.

The New York Times - Books

This is a one-time exemption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project proposals or business plans, specify if an expense is "a one-time outlay" to accurately portray the required initial investment versus ongoing operational costs.

Common error

Avoid categorizing "a one-time outlay" as an ongoing operational cost. This error can lead to inaccurate budget projections and misinformed financial decisions. Ensure proper categorization to maintain financial clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-time outlay" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a singular instance of expenditure or investment. The Ludwig examples showcase its use in discussing budgets, financial planning and project proposals.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one-time outlay" is a noun phrase referring to a single, non-recurring expense or investment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in news articles, business documents, and occasionally in wikis. It's crucial for distinguishing between initial and ongoing costs in financial contexts. Alternatives include "a one-off payment" or "a single expenditure". Be careful to avoid misclassifying this type of expense as recurring to ensure accurate financial planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-off payment

Emphasizes the singular nature of the payment, highlighting it won't be repeated.

a single expenditure

Focuses on the act of spending money in a single transaction.

a non-recurring cost

Highlights the fact that the cost will not happen again in the future.

a one-time investment

Specifically refers to an investment made only once.

a lump-sum disbursement

Describes the release of funds in a single, large amount.

a solitary expense

Highlights the isolated nature of the expense.

a unique expenditure

Highlights the unusual nature of the spending.

a singular outlay

Emphasizes the distinct and isolated nature of the expenditure.

a one-shot expense

Similar to 'one-off', it highlights that the expense happens only once.

a one-time charge

Specifically points out a fee or cost applied only once.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-time outlay" in a sentence?

You can use "a one-time outlay" to describe a single, non-recurring expense. For example, "The project requires "a one-time outlay" of $5000 for initial equipment purchases".

What's the difference between "a one-time outlay" and "recurring expenses"?

"A one-time outlay" refers to a single expense, while recurring expenses are ongoing and regular. For example, equipment purchase is often "a one-time outlay", whereas monthly rent is a recurring expense.

Are there synonyms for "a one-time outlay"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a one-off payment", "a single expenditure", or "a non-recurring cost" as alternatives to "a one-time outlay".

Is it correct to say "one time outlay" without the "a"?

While understandable, it's grammatically preferable to include the article "a" before "one-time outlay". Saying ""a one-time outlay"" is more grammatically correct and commonly used.