a small fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount of money, typically beyond what one would expect given the terms used to describe it. For example, "The antique vase I bought cost me a small fortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Would it cost a small fortune?

The New York Times - Food

"Heck, I've made a small fortune myself".

The New York Times

A small fortune was certain to come.

The New York Times - Sports

He found himself with a small fortune.

The Guardian - Tech

In addition, I was making a small fortune.

The New Yorker

His first play, "On Trial", made him a small fortune.

The New Yorker

Most significantly, he made a small fortune by selling art.

The New Yorker

We certainly didn't want to spend a small fortune.

The New York Times - Travel

Today a hectare of barbaresco is worth a small fortune.

The Guardian - Travel

For that, they cost just a small fortune.

The New York Times - Food

But this buyer now stands to make a small fortune.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small fortune" when you want to emphasize that an amount of money is surprisingly large, especially in relation to something else. It suggests a cost that exceeds expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a small fortune" to describe truly massive, astronomical sums. While subjective, the phrase implies a large amount relative to a context, not an absolute measure of extreme wealth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small fortune" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or predicate nominative. It signifies a large amount of money, particularly in relation to something else, and suggests an unexpected or surprisingly high cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small fortune" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a surprisingly large amount of money. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It finds frequent use in News & Media, and is often employed to emphasize cost or value. When using the phrase, remember that it implies an amount large relative to a context, not necessarily an absolute fortune. For similar expressions, consider using "a tidy sum" or "a pretty penny" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pretty penny

Highlights the costliness of something, similar to "a small fortune" but more colloquial.

a tidy sum

Emphasizes the neatness and respectability of the amount, rather than its unexpectedness.

a considerable amount of money

More formal and direct, lacking the slight hyperbole of the original phrase.

a good deal of money

Less hyperbolic and more straightforward in describing a substantial sum.

a pile of cash

More informal and emphasizes the physical presence of a large amount of money.

a fair amount of money

Indicates a reasonable and noteworthy sum, but not necessarily excessive or surprising.

a significant investment

Focuses on the act of investing and the importance of the amount, rather than just the money itself.

a king's ransom

Implies an extremely large amount, much larger than "a small fortune".

a worthwhile investment

Emphasizes the value and potential return on the money spent, rather than the amount itself.

a decent income

Shifts the focus to earnings and regular income, not just a one-time sum.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small fortune" to describe the cost of something surprisingly expensive, such as "That painting must be worth "a small fortune"" or to describe someone who has a notable amount of money, like "He made "a small fortune" in the stock market".

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

Alternatives to "a small fortune" include "a tidy sum", "a pretty penny", or "a considerable amount of money", depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a small fortune" literally?

Not always. "A small fortune" is often used hyperbolically to suggest an amount that is significant but not necessarily an actual fortune. The appropriateness depends on the specific context and the intent to add emphasis or mild exaggeration.

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

"A king's ransom" implies a much larger and more extravagant sum than "a small fortune". While both suggest a significant amount of money, "a king's ransom" indicates an exceptionally high value, typically associated with historical or legendary wealth.