for a nominal charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a nominal charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small fee or cost associated with a service or product. Example: "The library offers printing services for a nominal charge to cover the cost of materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A doctor and dentist, for a nominal charge.

The Guardian

Trail guides are available for a nominal charge at the marine centre, where snorkelling equipment can also be hired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I later found out from Nissan Consumer Affairs that I could cancel it immediately for a nominal charge.

The New York Times

After that, investments can be made directly through the company at no fee or for a nominal charge, say, $5 a trade.

The New York Times

Indeed, the programs are so successful in building customer loyalty that banks offer the services for a nominal charge, and in most cases, free.

The New York Times

San Diego agreed to settle a lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union over land in two public parks the city leases to the Boy Scouts free or for a nominal charge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"The income we would generate from a nominal charge would go a long way to bringing in the savings for the benefit of council tax payers".

BBC

In an essay for the Nuffield Trust, a thinktank, Williams said: "There might be a case for at least considering a nominal charge for GP appointments … It might get people to value the service".

The Guardian

However, Williams said: "You could also have a nominal charge for prescriptions for older people, with appropriate exemptions.

The Guardian

We asked the company to explain how it operates, and it said that it made what it described as a "nominal" charge for its service – the searching of several airline websites carried out on the consumer's behalf.

The Guardian - Money

Instead, he offered free museum space to the Scientific Alliance for executive meetings, and a number of scientific societies occupied museum rooms for their public meetings at a nominal charge and created independent exhibits at the museum that benefitted Bumpus' outreach priorities in public education.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a nominal charge" when you want to emphasize that the fee is very small and not intended to be a significant cost. It's often used to cover basic expenses or maintain a service.

Common error

Avoid using "for a nominal charge" if the fee is substantial or intended to generate profit. This phrase implies the fee is merely symbolic and covers minimal costs, so misusing it could mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a nominal charge" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, typically indicating the cost associated with a service, product, or activity. As Ludwig AI says, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a nominal charge" is a prepositional phrase used to convey that something is offered at a very low cost. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its primary function is to inform about affordability. It maintains a neutral register and appears frequently in news, media, scientific, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the fee is indeed small and symbolic to avoid misleading the audience. Consider alternatives like "for a small fee" or "at a reduced price" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a small fee

Emphasizes the low cost of the charge.

for a minimal fee

Highlights the fee is as low as possible.

for a token payment

Suggests the payment is symbolic rather than substantial.

for a symbolic fee

Indicates the fee is more representative than revenue-generating.

for a negligible cost

Highlights the cost as being almost non-existent.

at a reduced price

Focuses on the price being lower than usual.

at a discounted rate

Highlights that the standard rate has been lowered.

for a trifling sum

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount charged.

at a bargain price

Indicates a price significantly lower than the item's value.

for a peppercorn rent

Implies a very low or nominal rent, often used in legal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "for a nominal charge" in a sentence?

You can use "for a nominal charge" to indicate that a service or item is offered at a very low cost. For example, "The museum offers guided tours "for a nominal charge" of $5."

What is a similar phrase to "for a nominal charge"?

Similar phrases include "for a small fee", "for a minimal fee", or "at a reduced price", all indicating a low cost.

Is "for a nominal charge" formal or informal?

"For a nominal charge" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in business, news, and general writing.

What's the difference between "for a nominal charge" and "free of charge"?

"For a nominal charge" means there is a very small fee, while "free of charge" means there is no fee at all. The key difference is the presence or absence of any cost.