a significant outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a large expenditure or investment, often in a financial context. Example: "The company made a significant outlay on new technology to improve production efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is a significant outlay given the community's average per capita income of less than $1 per day.

The Guardian

And unlike more risky pursuits like proprietary trading or structured products, bond trading does not require a significant outlay of capital.

The New York Times

Steve Bruce, who has six months to run on his contract at Hull City, will be interested in the role and is close to Carr but has struggled at the KC Stadium throughout 2014 despite a significant outlay on transfers.

The Guardian - Sport

Nearly 9 out of 10 said protecting the city from flooding was worth a significant outlay of federal money, with almost as many saying that even low-lying areas should be rebuilt along with an improved levee system.

The New York Times

The deal, valued at $38.5 billion, is a significant outlay for the company, whose share price has fallen by about 80% in the past five years as it has slid into loss.It all ends hereIn its opening weekend "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" earned $169m, a North American record.

The Economist

The catch is a significant outlay on sales and marketing to ensure enough new customers and businesses.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

That leaves around 15% of shareholders who may accept an offer, but it would be made at around the 20p mark, so would not require a hugely significant outlay.

BBC

This means despite an already significant outlay by local authorities who pay fees to the homes, there could be additional costs to the NHS, schools and the police who have to respond to, say, anti-social behaviour incidents involving children who should be in the care of a home.

BBC

Unlike tattoos or knee-high gladiator sandals, a nail varnish requires no significant outlay of cash, much less an emotional commitment.

The New York Times

Fostering these activities does not necessarily require a significant capital outlay.

The New York Times

For BET taking on "The Game" is a significant financial outlay, and also a leap of faith that the show can keep the trust of an already loyal audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant outlay" when you want to emphasize that a particular expense or investment is substantial and noteworthy. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "outlay" (an expense) with "outlet" (a place for selling goods or a point of exit). Using the wrong word can significantly alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant outlay" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a substantial expenditure or investment. Ludwig AI validates this usage as correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant outlay" is a noun phrase used to describe a considerable expenditure or investment. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Alternatives such as "a considerable expense" or "a substantial investment" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, avoid confusing "outlay" with similar-sounding words like "outlet". The phrase is common and easily understood in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable expense

Focuses on the aspect of the spending as an expense, implying a possible burden.

a substantial investment

Highlights the aspect of investing, suggesting a potential return or long-term benefit.

a large expenditure

Emphasizes the largeness of the spending in a more direct way.

a major expense

Similar to "a considerable expense" but with a stronger emphasis on the size of the expense.

a sizable investment

Similar to "a substantial investment" but less formal.

a hefty cost

Implies that the cost is burdensome or unexpectedly high.

a considerable financial commitment

Emphasizes the commitment aspect of the spending.

a notable investment

Highlights the remarkableness or importance of the investment.

a major financial undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the financial endeavor.

an important allocation of funds

Stresses the planned distribution of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant outlay" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant outlay" to describe a large expenditure or investment. For example, "The company made "a significant outlay" on research and development."

What are some alternatives to "a significant outlay"?

Alternatives include "a considerable expense", "a substantial investment", or "a large expenditure" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a significant outlay" in formal or informal writing?

"A significant outlay" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and subject matter than the specific writing style.

What's the difference between "a significant outlay" and "a minor expense"?

"A significant outlay" refers to a large or considerable expenditure, while "a minor expense" refers to a small or trivial cost. They represent opposite ends of the spending spectrum.