for a nominal fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a nominal fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a small or minimal charge is required for a service or product. Example: "You can access the premium features of the app for a nominal fee of $5 per month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Docent-led tours can be scheduled for a nominal fee.

University of California, Berkeley

"You can continue to enjoy the service for a nominal fee.

The Guardian - Tech

Step 3: For a nominal fee, you can obtain a catalog subscription.

The New York Times

The ticket was then returned to the travel agent for a nominal fee.

The Guardian

Here, for a nominal fee, mothers get the best medical attention in New York.

The New Yorker

The windswept oval offered free skating, along with skate rentals for a nominal fee.

The New York Times

But Stevens has promised that Syrrx will let the government use these for a nominal fee.

MIT Technology Review

Some credit-card companies now provide this summary at year-end for a nominal fee.

Harvard Business Review

Teachers College also offers housing during the summer months for a nominal fee.

Columbia University

Comprehensive health care through the Yale Health Plan is available for a nominal fee.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

By providing the necessary cash flow, factoring ensures invoices get paid in exchange for a nominal fee.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a nominal fee", ensure the context clearly communicates that the fee is significantly lower than the actual value of the service or product. This sets the right expectation for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "for a nominal fee" when the fee is substantial relative to the service or product. This can mislead customers and create a negative perception of value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a nominal fee" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the condition under which a service or item is offered. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase clarifies the cost associated with different offerings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a nominal fee" is a widely used adverbial phrase indicating that something is available at a very low cost. Ludwig's analysis, supported by 58 real-world examples, demonstrates its prevalent use across diverse sources, including news outlets, academic institutions, and wikis. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions primarily to emphasize affordability. When aiming to convey the notion of minimal expense, consider alternatives like "for a small fee" or "for a minimal charge" to achieve the same effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a small fee

Replaces "nominal" with "small", emphasizing the low cost.

for a minimal charge

Substitutes "nominal fee" with "minimal charge", focusing on the reduced expense.

for a token payment

Replaces "nominal fee" with "token payment", highlighting that the fee is symbolic.

at a low cost

Emphasizes the cost being low rather than a specific fee.

for a modest price

Uses "modest price" instead of fee, suggesting affordability.

for a trifling sum

Indicates the amount is very insignificant.

at a bargain rate

Suggests a particularly favorable and inexpensive rate.

virtually free

Implies the cost is so low it's almost free.

for next to nothing

Highlights the extreme affordability of the item or service.

at cost price

Indicates that the price covers only the expenses, with no profit.

FAQs

What does "for a nominal fee" mean?

It means that a service or product is available for a very small or symbolic payment, typically much lower than its actual value.

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

You might say, "You can access premium features of the software "for a nominal fee"."

What can I say instead of "for a nominal fee"?

Alternatives include "for a small fee", "for a minimal charge", or "for a token payment".

Is it appropriate to use "for a nominal fee" in formal writing?

Yes, "for a nominal fee" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is widely understood and professionally acceptable.