a tiny outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of money spent or invested in something. Example: "The project requires a tiny outlay to get started, making it accessible for small businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's a huge gain for a tiny outlay of effort.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That outlay was just a tiny fraction of what Exeter spends on its students.

The New York Times

But these proposals would offset just a tiny fraction of the cuts in public outlays pursued by countries trying to rein in their debt.

The New York Times

For these a 24% price increase would mean a tiny extra monthly outlay under nine yuan ($1.32).

The Economist

It panders to a tiny, tiny minority.

The New York Times

A tiny aphid.

The New York Times - Science

A tiny bit lame?

Independent

A tiny smile.

Independent

A tiny example.

The New York Times - Books

A tiny, tiny monkey.

The New Yorker

A tiny hand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny outlay" when you want to emphasize that a project or endeavor requires very little initial investment, making it accessible or appealing due to its low financial barrier.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny outlay" when the actual costs are significant. Misrepresenting the financial commitment can erode trust and lead to inaccurate expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny outlay" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a small amount of money spent or invested. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny outlay" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing a small expense or financial investment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Though relatively rare, the phrase appears predominantly in news and media contexts, emphasizing affordability or minimal financial commitment. Related phrases include ""a minimal investment"" and ""a small expenditure"". When using this phrase, ensure that the actual costs align with the descriptor to maintain accuracy and credibility. Avoid misrepresenting the financial commitment involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal investment

Emphasizes the small amount of money invested.

a small expenditure

Highlights the low cost or spending involved.

a negligible expense

Suggests the cost is so small it's almost not worth considering.

a modest sum

Indicates a small amount of money is needed.

a trivial cost

Implies the expense is insignificant.

a minor investment

Focuses on the small size of the investment.

a slight expense

Highlights the small nature of the expense.

a minimal cost

Emphasizes the very low cost involved.

a small financial commitment

Highlights that the financial undertaking is not impactful.

a drop in the bucket

Implies that the expense is only a very small and unimportant part of a bigger endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "a tiny outlay" in a sentence?

You can use "a tiny outlay" when describing something that requires very little initial investment. For example: "The project requires "a tiny outlay" to get started, making it accessible for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tiny outlay"?

Alternatives include "a minimal investment", "a small expenditure", or "a negligible expense". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a tiny outlay" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tiny outlay" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the minimal financial commitment involved. However, in highly formal or technical contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "a minimal capital expenditure".

What's the difference between "a tiny outlay" and "a small investment"?

While similar, "a tiny outlay" emphasizes the smallness of the expense or cost more directly. "A small investment" focuses on the act of investing, whereas "a tiny outlay" centers on the amount of money involved. For example, "a small investment" can refer to a financial commitment, while "a tiny outlay" usually refers to a minor expense.