a token charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a token charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a nominal fee or a small amount charged, often to signify a formality rather than a substantial cost. Example: "To access the premium features, users must pay a token charge of just $5."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

More recently, a token charge of $250 a lorry was imposed.

The Economist

Most drugs are free, with some hospitals imposing a token charge.

The Guardian

At most events there is a token charge for attending, which covers snacks and drinks and a little extra for charity.

The Guardian - Money

The St John team provides its services for free, but there is a token charge of £2 to cover the Women's Society's overheads, which is waived for poorer patients.

The Guardian

The work of Chaliki et al (1995) has shown that if a token charge were implemented enthusiasm for a hypothetical offer of testing declined.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Mr. Gebre Yesus lived much longer, bought some of the emperor's things -- including his baroque living room furniture -- and now is charging a token price of admission for people to see it.

The New York Times

Unlike previous discussions of fare increase, this one will not be a simple question of how much more to charge for a token.

The New York Times

A token booth clerk has been charged with stealing $327,000 by creating MetroCards, selling them to riders and pocketing the cash, the Queens district attorney, Richard A. Brown, said yesterday.

The New York Times

In later life, when he chaired investigations into the UN oil-for-food programme or Arthur Andersen, an accountancy firm, he charged only a token $1 fee.Yet Mr Volcker still lacked the consolation of popularity, unlike Mr Greenspan, who was praised by the press and politicians for much of his term.

The Economist

We use part of the profit to motivate staff by giving them a token honorarium" (Health facility in-charge IDI 3).

BMC Health Services Research

For example, a charge code is an entity within the financial system, but an attribute of an entity item within the current inpatient EHR and historical inpatient PM, so that those systems can post transactions in the financial system by using the charge code as a token.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a token charge" when you want to emphasize that the cost is minimal and often symbolic. This can be useful when you want to encourage participation or avoid creating a financial barrier.

Common error

Avoid using "a token charge" if the fee is actually significant. This phrase implies a minimal cost, so using it for a large amount can be misleading and damage trust.

Linguistic Context

"A token charge" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote a very small fee or cost, often one that is more symbolic than substantial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a token charge" is a noun phrase used to describe a very small or symbolic fee. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful that it implies a minimal cost; avoid using it if the fee is substantial. Alternatives include "nominal fee" or "small fee".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nominal fee

Emphasizes the small and often symbolic nature of the charge.

small fee

A direct and simple alternative, highlighting the low cost.

minimal charge

Similar to "small fee" but emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

modest fee

Suggests the charge is reasonable and not excessive.

symbolic fee

Highlights the fee's purpose as a formality rather than a significant expense.

entry fee

Focuses on a minimal fee required for access or entry.

reduced rate

Indicates a lower price compared to the standard cost.

small contribution

Refers to the charge as a minor financial contribution.

negligible cost

Highlights the insignificance of the expense.

administration fee

Highlights the fee's purpose, specifically for administration.

FAQs

How do I use "a token charge" in a sentence?

You can use "a token charge" to describe a minimal fee for a service or item. For example, "The museum asks for "a token charge" of $2 for entry."

What's the difference between "a token charge" and a normal fee?

"A token charge" implies the fee is very small and often symbolic, intended to cover basic costs or discourage misuse, while a normal fee is a standard price for a product or service.

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

You can use alternatives like "nominal fee", "small fee", or "minimal charge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to call a fee "a token charge" if it covers real costs?

Yes, even if the fee covers some real costs, you can still call it "a token charge" if the amount is small relative to the value of the service or product provided.