cash float

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cash float" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in financial contexts to refer to the amount of cash available for day-to-day operations or transactions, often in a business setting. Example: "Before the store opens, we need to ensure that the cash float is adequately stocked to handle the initial sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Warren Buffett's conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway, contains a huge insurance unit whose cash float finances its investments.

The Economist

Profits come from investing the cash float it holds to pay out claims as they arise, which is not the most lucrative business when interest rates (and thus returns) are at rock bottom.

The Economist

As a consequence, Chinese banks luxuriate in a vast pool of cheap deposits, worth 42% more than their loans at the end of 2011.This cash float gives Chinese banks a lot of room for error.

The Economist

While the value of customer accounts was 624,408btc, the company actually only possessed the 2,000btc that were in its "hot wallet" – the bitcoin wallet connected directly to the exchange and used to enable trading (rather like the cash float in a cash register, as opposed to the safe in the back of the shop – which was the "cold storage").

The Guardian - Tech

At least he won't be forced to watch all his hard-earned cash float away in front of his horrified eyes: "I've put money on Garcia (waste of time) Louis (probably can't be arsed) and Snedeker (will get in contention then laugh his way to an 8 on 13)." 3.06pm BST Leaderboard at 3pm (or thereabouts, sue me) So much for my corpulent dream.

The Guardian - Sport

Analysts say the proceeds aren't booked as revenue until purchases are actually made, but assuming that the average card does indeed store between $10 and $25, that would give the company a cash float of between $23 million and $57 million.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Whatever the state of the global economy, there's always a ton of discretionary cash floating around looking for someplace to land.

The New York Times - Arts

But there is plenty of cash floating around the UK financial system, courtesy of the Bank's own quantitative easing and funding-for-lending programmes.

The Guardian - Business

Shopkeepers can do away with expensive cash floats and elaborate ruses to stop cash fraud such as charging $4.99 so that the $5 bill most people hand over has to pass through the till for one cent change rather than being trousered by a shop assistant.Information-money can be handled by any information-processing device.

The Economist

The ratio set when the programme started means that people in the three northern provinces, who now account for about 15% of Iraq's population, get about 20% of the money".There is simply more cash floating around," says George Somerwill, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian office in Iraq.

The Economist

With equity valuations high and a certain amount of cash floating around after multimillion-pound payouts by the likes of Vodafone, private equity owners see a chance to offload debt-laden retail businesses, which they have been sitting on for years, before a potential interest rate rise increases their costs.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's financial health, use "cash float" to highlight the readily accessible funds for immediate operational needs.

Common error

Don't confuse "cash float" with broader financial terms like "working capital" or "liquid assets". "Cash float" refers specifically to the cash readily available for immediate transactions, not all assets easily converted to cash.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cash float" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific pool of money set aside for immediate transactions. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cash float" refers to readily available funds for immediate transactions, primarily in a business or organizational context. While grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig, it is not as commonly used as broader terms like "working capital". It is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a professional register. To avoid confusion, remember that the term specifically refers to cash for immediate use, not all liquid assets. Ludwig's analysis suggests its utility in financial discussions for highlighting operational financial readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating cash

Specifically relates to cash used for operational activities.

working capital

Focuses on the funds available for a company's day-to-day operations; broader in scope.

available funds

Highlights the accessibility of the money, but less specific to business.

cash reserve

Implies a fund specifically set aside, often for emergencies.

petty cash

Refers to a small amount of cash kept on hand for minor expenses.

cash on hand

Emphasizes the immediate physical presence of the cash.

cash balance

Indicates the amount of cash available in an account or system.

liquid assets

Includes all assets easily convertible to cash, not just cash itself.

till money

Refers to the cash available in a cash register for transactions.

daily takings

Focuses on the money earned within a day, implying daily operation.

FAQs

How is "cash float" used in business?

In business, "cash float" refers to the amount of cash readily available for day-to-day transactions. It's essential for covering immediate expenses and ensuring smooth operations. Keeping an adequate "operating cash" can prevent disruptions.

What's the difference between "cash float" and "cash reserve"?

"Cash float" is for immediate, day-to-day expenses, while a "cash reserve" is a fund set aside for unexpected costs or emergencies. The float is actively used; the reserve is for less frequent use.

What are some alternatives to "cash float"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "working capital", "available funds", or "operating cash" instead of "cash float".

How do you manage a "cash float" effectively?

Effective management involves regularly monitoring the "cash float" to ensure there's enough for daily needs, without holding excessive amounts. This helps prevent tying up capital that could be used for other investments.