a small sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a modest amount of money or a minor financial transaction. Example: "After reviewing the expenses, I realized that I only needed to pay a small sum to settle the bill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a small sum".

The New York Times - Arts

They are paid a small sum for each snake.

The New York Times - Style

If that sounds a small sum, that's because it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes the dispute is over a small sum.

The New York Times

They saved a small sum weekly out of his salary.

The New Yorker

And why get the police involved over a small sum?

The New York Times

Now, that might seem like a small sum to pay for a human being.

University of California, Berkeley

After she threatened to move in with them, they released a small sum.

The New Yorker

Assange's only penalty was to pay the Australian state a small sum in damages.

The New Yorker

Still, the letter sought a small sum of money as a contribution to Qaeda operations.

The New York Times

She receives a small sum in maintenance from her ex that is reviewed annually.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small sum", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared against. This helps the reader understand the relative size and significance of the amount.

Common error

Avoid using "a small sum" without providing context. What might be considered a small sum to one person could be significant to another. Always establish a frame of reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small sum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and indicates a modest amount of money or a minor financial transaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small sum" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a modest or insignificant amount of money. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its prevalence in News & Media, Academia, and Science highlights its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context so your audience can assess the relative value you are describing. Alternatives like "a modest amount" or "a trifling amount" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest amount

Emphasizes the moderate size of the sum.

a trifling amount

Highlights the insignificance of the sum.

a negligible sum

Focuses on the sum being so small it's practically worthless.

a paltry sum

Suggests the sum is inadequate or contemptibly small.

a tiny fraction

Implies the sum is a very small part of a larger whole.

a nominal fee

Indicates the sum is charged as a formality.

a small token

Highlights the sum being a symbolic gesture more than a significant payment.

a bit of change

Conveys informality and suggests the sum is very small.

a minor expense

Focuses on the sum in relation to overall costs.

a limited fund

Highlights the scarcity of the total funds available, making the sum relatively low.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small sum" to describe an amount of money that is considered insignificant or modest in a given context. For instance, "He donated "a small sum" to the charity."

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

Alternatives to "a small sum" include "a modest amount", "a trifling amount", or "a negligible sum", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe an amount as "a small sum"?

No, describing an amount as "a small sum" depends heavily on context and perspective. What is considered small to a large corporation might be significant to an individual. It's crucial to consider the audience and the situation.

What's the difference between "a small sum" and "a meager amount"?

"A small sum" generally refers to the quantity being less than expected or significant. "A meager amount" suggests the quantity is insufficient or inadequate for a particular purpose. Therefore, "a meager amount" often carries a more negative connotation.