a small donation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small donation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a modest contribution of money or resources, often in the context of fundraising or charitable giving. Example: "We appreciate any support you can provide, even a small donation can make a difference in our cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I have worked for and donated money to many politicians over my lifetime but giving a small donation to Eric's campaign felt different.

Huffington Post

It is free, but a small donation is customary.

The New York Times - Travel

Once they reach the online checkout, an option to make a small donation pops up.

The Guardian

You can pick up a gently used book for a small donation.

The New York Times

But as a guide for someone with a small donation to make, it is humane indeed.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can dump coats, cases, picnic baskets and purchases for the price of a small donation.

Independent

"Come on, somebody," he said, "come on, some good person, make a small donation".

The New York Times

Inside is the city's municipal museum, which can be visited daily during normal business hours, also for a small donation.

The New York Times - Travel

The sessions cost £10, which includes the cost of non-irritant body paints and a small donation to the charity.

The Guardian - Travel

Students stay in bunkhouses or gyms and pay only to get to the airport and sometimes a small donation.

The New York Times

The mushrooms have a texture similar to meat, and the tofu is a small donation of protein.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for contributions, follow the phrase ""a small donation"" with a specific explanation of how it will be used. This increases transparency and encourages donors. For example, ""a small donation"" can provide a meal for someone in need".

Common error

Don't exaggerate what ""a small donation"" can achieve. While every contribution matters, be realistic about its direct impact to maintain credibility. Avoid saying things like ""a small donation"" will solve all problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""a small donation"" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make', 'give', 'receive') or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase denotes a modest contribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, ""a small donation"" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase referring to a modest contribution. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly appears in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. Its neutral tone makes it versatile for various communications, particularly when seeking widespread support. When using this phrase, clarify the impact of even small contributions to encourage potential donors and avoid exaggerating the results. Alternatives like "a modest contribution" or "a token gift" can be used depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest contribution

Replaces "donation" with "contribution" and "small" with "modest" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly different tone.

a small contribution to the fund

Specifies that the donation is going to a fund, implying a collective financial pool.

a token gift

Substitutes the idea of money with the idea of a small gift representing the donator's intentions.

a nominal sum

Replaces "small donation" with a more formal term indicating a very small amount of money.

a minor offering

Uses "offering" instead of "donation", suggesting a voluntary contribution that is not necessarily monetary and it is of small importance.

a modest financial aid

More specific: the donation is financial and aims to help in a limited way.

a slight offering

Emphasizes the minor quantity of the donation.

a little something for the cause

An idiomatic way of saying you are going to give a donation, with a more familiar tone.

a symbolic contribution

Focuses on the symbolic value of the donation, rather than its monetary worth.

a bit of help

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the act of helping rather than the formal act of donating.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small donation" in a sentence like: "We appreciate any support, even "a small donation", to help us achieve our mission".

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

You can use alternatives like "a modest contribution", "a token gift", or "a minor offering" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to ask for "a small donation"?

Yes, it's appropriate to ask for "a small donation", especially when you want to encourage a wide range of people to contribute, regardless of their financial capacity. It suggests that every little bit helps.

What's the impact of "a small donation"?

The impact of "a small donation" can be significant, especially when combined with other contributions. It can help organizations fund essential programs, provide resources, and make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve.