a pittance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pittance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very small or inadequate amount of money or compensation. Example: "After working long hours, I was disappointed to receive a pittance as my paycheck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a pittance.

The New York Times

Which would seem a pittance.

The New York Times

'He earned a pittance.

The Guardian

Yet public-health spending is a pittance.

The New Yorker

Landlords earned a pittance in rent.

The Economist

The firm spends a pittance on marketing.

The Economist

That is a pittance by Facebook standards.

The New York Times

A pittance for such pleasure.

The New York Times - Food

"I was earning a pittance.

The Guardian - Books

That's a pittance, isn't it?

The Guardian

It was a pittance, but it was something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pittance", consider the emotional impact. It's often used to express outrage or injustice at the smallness of an amount, so ensure your tone aligns with this sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "a pittance" when you simply mean "a small amount" without the associated negative connotation of inadequacy or unfairness. Opt for a more neutral term like "small sum" if negativity is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pittance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a small or inadequate amount of something, usually money. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pittance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a very small or inadequate amount, usually of money. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Its primary function is to express dissatisfaction or disapproval regarding the amount, often implying unfairness. While versatile, it's important to consider the slightly informal and emotive nature of the phrase. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. When a more neutral or formal tone is required, alternatives such as "a small sum" or "a minimal amount" may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trifling sum

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

a meager amount

Highlights the lack of abundance or sufficiency.

a paltry sum

Suggests the amount is not only small but also contemptible or worthless.

a nominal fee

Implies the amount is so small it's barely worth mentioning.

a small fortune

Ironical usage. This refers to something deceptively small in appearance, size or amount.

next to nothing

Informal way of saying almost nothing.

hardly anything

Stresses the deficiency in quantity or value.

a mere fraction

Highlights that it's an insignificant portion of something larger.

chicken feed

Colloquial expression that implies something is negligible or insignificant.

peanuts

Informal way of saying the amount is very small and insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "a pittance" in a sentence?

Use "a pittance" to describe a sum of money or compensation that is considered very small or inadequate. For example, "He was paid "a pittance" for his hard work".

What phrases can I use instead of "a pittance"?

You can use alternatives like "a trifling sum", "a meager amount", or "a paltry sum" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a pittance" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a pittance" carries a slightly informal and emotive tone. For formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "a small sum" or "a minimal amount".

What's the difference between "a pittance" and "a small fortune"?

"A pittance" denotes a very small, often inadequate amount, while "a small fortune" is an ironic phrase referring to something deceptively small in appearance, size or amount.