for a small contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a small contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a request for a minor payment or donation in exchange for a service or benefit. Example: "You can access the premium content for a small contribution to support our platform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

For a small contribution, much other useful information is available.

The New York Times - Travel

As they strolled, a homeless man approached and asked for a small contribution.

The New York Times

"I cannot see why we should hand over major assets to private sector companies in return for a small contribution.

The Guardian

He was happy to sign autographs, often for a small contribution to the Bob Feller Museum in Van Meter.

The New York Times - Sports

In time, their exploits even attracted the attention of President Harrison, who engaged them to find the lost gold of General P. T. Beauregard in exchange for a small contribution to his reëlection fund.

The New Yorker

So we are asking for a small contribution...to fund our public services". Labour said it would extend the existing 0.5% stamp duty paid on shares to other financial assets, including investments known as derivatives.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"To damage science for such a small contribution from the rest of the agency would not be very responsible," says astronomer and Webb proponent Garth Illingworth of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Science Magazine

That is, suppose a 2-32-3%fference is an issue even for sectors with a small contribution to the economy total output (or total employment).

Journal of Economic Structures

However, at the sectoral level the differences were somewhat larger (up to 3.5%) for sectors with a small contribution to the total gross output.

Journal of Economic Structures

"I don't think the conference will make major changes, but indigenous peoples can use the conference to show the international commitment … for us it will be a small contribution for advocacy at local level … so when the government commits violations of our rights then we can use this document.

The Guardian

For the price of a beer for the nondrivers and a small contribution toward the fuel, they drove many kilometers off their 20-hour route from Val d'Isère, in the French Alps, to Leeds, in northern England, and stopped in London at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a small contribution" when you want to suggest that accessing certain premium content will help support a platform or service.

Common error

Avoid using "for a small contribution" when the value received is disproportionately high. This can create mistrust. Make sure the exchange is reasonable and transparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a small contribution" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the condition or consideration required to obtain something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for a small contribution" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase, typically employed to suggest a minimal payment or donation in exchange for a benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While its tone is generally neutral, it can lean slightly toward formal, making it suitable for various professional and informal contexts. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business sources. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the offered benefit is key to avoid ambiguity or mistrust. Alternatives like "for a modest donation" or "with a minimal investment" can be used to subtly shift the connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a modest donation

Replaces "contribution" with "donation" implying a charitable giving context.

for a token payment

Substitutes "small contribution" with "token payment", suggesting a minimal fee.

in exchange for a minor fee

Rephrases the prepositional phrase into an "in exchange for" structure, highlighting the exchange aspect.

with a minimal investment

Uses "investment" instead of "contribution", implying a return or benefit.

for a slight charge

Replaces "contribution" with "charge", suggesting a financial cost.

upon a small offering

Replaces "contribution" with "offering", creating a more formal tone.

in return for a nominal sum

Uses "nominal sum" to specify a very small amount of money.

for a petty expense

Replaces "contribution" with "expense", emphasizing the cost aspect.

in exchange for a trifling amount

Emphasizes the small size of the contribution, creating a more dismissive tone.

with a small outlay

Uses "outlay" to imply an expenditure of funds.

FAQs

How can I use "for a small contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "for a small contribution" to indicate a minor payment or donation is required to access something. For example, "You can download the e-book "for a small contribution" to our project."

What are some alternatives to "for a small contribution"?

Some alternatives include "for a modest donation", "for a token payment", or "in exchange for a minor fee" depending on the context.

Is "for a small contribution" formal or informal?

"For a small contribution" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for various contexts, but alternatives like "with a minimal investment" might be more appropriate in business settings.

When is it appropriate to use "for a small contribution"?

It is appropriate to use "for a small contribution" when you are asking for a minor payment or donation in exchange for a product, service, or access to something beneficial. It implies that the amount requested is relatively insignificant.