a small allowance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small allowance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to money given to someone, usually a child, for them to spend. For example: "My parents give me a small allowance each month to cover any small items I need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Roache will now have to survive on a small allowance.

The Guardian

Many of us learned to make our beds for a small allowance.

Harvard University

Religious groups have pointed this out, and so a small allowance has been made.

The Guardian

Transport, accommodation, food and medical insurance are all covered, as well as a small allowance.

The Guardian

Her parents seem to have been ridiculously supportive, giving her a small allowance so she could concentrate on music.

The Guardian - Music

Students admitted to the program are offered financial support for tuition, a living stipend, insurance coverage, and for first-year graduate students, a small allowance for books/travel.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

(Children would receive a smaller allowance).

The New Yorker

On the advice of the Inspector General Slatin Pasha, Abd al-Rahman was constantly watched in the early years of British rule, was given a very small allowance and was not allowed to call himself Imam or the Mahdi.

Wikipedia

Like a number of other Bajunis, Abdul receives a very small allowance each week to spend on necessities, putting him in a better situation than the few who refused to accept voluntary deportation and have been left to rely on the help of charities and refugee organisations.

Vice

He added, "They try to trick you into telling them the answers they want to hear". Like a number of other Bajunis, Abdul receives a very small allowance each week to spend on necessities, putting him in a better situation than the few who refused to accept voluntary deportation and have been left to rely on the help of charities and refugee organisations.

Vice

However, CCGs have been provided with a relatively small allowance to pay their running and managerial costs, 27 so this is not a viable option for most groups.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal finance, be specific about the amount of "a small allowance" to provide context. For example, "a small allowance of $20 per month" is clearer than just "a small allowance."

Common error

Avoid using "allowances" when referring to a single, small amount of money. "Allowances" refers to multiple instances of an allowance, while "a small allowance" refers to a single amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small allowance" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the thing being given or received. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small allowance" is a common noun phrase that signifies a limited amount of money given regularly or provided as compensation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, showcasing its versatility. When using this phrase, consider the context and aim for specificity. For instance, mention the amount or the purpose of the allowance to provide clarity. While grammatically sound, avoid confusing "allowance" with "allowances" to maintain accuracy. Related phrases, such as "a modest stipend" or "a limited budget", can offer similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest stipend

Replaces "allowance" with "stipend", suggesting a fixed, regular payment, typically for living expenses, maintaining a similar level of formality.

a bit of pocket money

Specifically refers to money given to children for their own spending, often on discretionary items.

a limited budget

Shifts the focus from the act of giving an allowance to the restriction on spending, highlighting resource constraints.

a petty cash fund

Implies a specific amount of money set aside for minor expenses, often in a business context.

a small contribution

Suggests the allowance is part of a larger financial arrangement or support system.

a minimal disbursement

Uses more formal language to indicate a small sum of money being distributed, possibly in an official setting.

a token payment

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the allowance, suggesting it is a small gesture rather than a substantial amount.

a nominal sum

Highlights that the amount is very low or insignificant.

a fractional entitlement

Indicates a right to a very small portion of something, which can be money.

a pittance

A more informal and often negative way of describing a very small allowance, suggesting it is inadequate.

FAQs

How can I use "a small allowance" in a sentence?

You can use "a small allowance" to describe a modest amount of money given regularly. For example, "She received "a small allowance" from her parents each week."

What are some synonyms for "a small allowance"?

Alternatives to "a small allowance" include "a modest stipend", "a limited budget", or "a bit of pocket money".

Is it correct to say "a smaller allowance" instead of "a small allowance"?

Yes, "a smaller allowance" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the relative size of the allowance in comparison to something else, while "a small allowance" simply indicates the allowance is not large.

What is the difference between "a small allowance" and "a small compensation"?

"A small allowance" typically refers to a regular payment for personal use, especially for children, whereas "a small compensation" suggests a payment made to offset a loss or service. The first refers to the amount for personal spending and the second is a reward.