a small charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small charge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you are referring to a small fee or cost. Example: "There is a small charge for parking at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's twenty volts, a small charge".

The New Yorker

Hotel Liquidators will also deliver furniture for a small charge.

Yale University

Admission is free, but expect a small charge for parking.

The New York Times

Under the bus stop, there's a small charge".

The Guardian

Some events are free; others incur a small charge.

The Guardian - Travel

If they collect them, some may levy a small charge - £5, for example.

The Guardian

It has been restored and is open to the public for a small charge.

The New Yorker

It's a small charge indeed, watching the forced hugging between this cranky father and whiny daughter.

The New York Times - Arts

Ask at villages for accommodation – many families will put you up for a small charge.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some 2006 Census data are available online free of charge; personalised datasets are available at a small charge.

BMC Public Health

You could have it installed at a garage for a small charge.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small charge" when the exact amount is not important or is relatively insignificant compared to the overall cost or value.

Common error

Avoid using "a small charge" when the fee is actually substantial or unexpected. This can mislead the reader and create a negative impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small charge" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small charge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a minimal fee or cost. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to inform about an expense while subtly downplaying its importance, making it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and general information. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the charge and that it is indeed relatively insignificant to avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor fee

Replaces "charge" with "fee", emphasizing the financial aspect and the insignificance of the amount.

a nominal cost

Uses "nominal" to highlight that the cost is very low, almost symbolic.

a slight surcharge

Specifies the charge as a "surcharge", implying it's added on top of a base price, and indicates it's minimal.

a modest tariff

Employs "tariff", suggesting a formal or official fee, and indicates it's reasonable.

a minimal payment

Focuses on the act of "payment" rather than the charge itself, indicating the amount is small.

a token amount

Highlights that the sum is merely symbolic, rather than substantial.

a negligible expense

Emphasizes that the "expense" is so small that it's practically insignificant.

a trifling sum

Uses "trifling" to underscore the unimportance of the amount of money involved.

a small levy

Replaces "charge" with "levy", suggesting a charge imposed by an authority.

a modest contribution

Frames the charge as a "contribution", implying it's for a specific purpose and is not a large amount.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a small charge"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor fee", "a nominal cost", or "a slight surcharge" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a small charge"?

It's appropriate when referring to a fee or cost that is relatively insignificant or low in comparison to the overall expense or value. It's often used to indicate that a cost is minimal and shouldn't deter someone from using a service or buying a product.

Is "a small charge" formal or informal language?

The phrase "a small charge" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows it to be used in business correspondence, news articles, and casual conversations without sounding out of place.

How can I make sure I'm using "a small charge" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the context clearly defines what the charge is for and that the amount is indeed relatively small. If the amount is significant, consider using a more precise term, like "additional fee" or "extra cost".