for a token fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a token fee" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something that requires a small amount of money, when compared to the value of the goods or services being received. For example, "The museum offers free admission to visitors, but they ask for a token fee for those who want to take pictures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Officials said that they were confident that because the land would be used for educational purposes, not profit, President Bush would be able to give the land to New York for a token fee despite an act of Congress that requires the federal government to get full market value, which is up to $500 million.

The New York Times

Located on city parkland rented for a token fee, and run by the Italian conglomerate Zamperla, which also makes rides for Six Flags and Disney, Luna Park has brought more new rides to Coney Island than any enterprise in the last 50 years.

The Guardian

Greenwood sent TSR a few dozen cardboard boxes stuffed with pencil notes and maps, and sold all rights to the Realms for a token fee.

Wikipedia

In Malawi all citizens are issued with a "health passport" for a token fee.

Human Resources for Health

Community leaders select CKIs based on their honesty, literacy, knowledge of the traditions of the community, and willingness to work for a token fee.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

How great would it be to be able to download millions of such books for free (or a token fee of $1) onto your Kindle and other devices?

TechCrunch

There will often be a Dealers Den where art and comic book distributors and other merchants can sell their wares for a fee, and an Artists Alleyy where individual artists are given space for no fee or a token fee, usually on the condition that they only sell their own work.

Wikipedia

Families: e) Encourage families who can do so to pay a token fee for a snack.

Unicef

By ALEC's own count, it has nearly 2,000 state legislator members who pay a token fee of $100 for two years.

Huffington Post

For his design work, Mr. Kasai charged Mr. Liu only a token fee.

The New York Times

All students pay a token fee each semester, Kaist administrators said, but otherwise their tuition is free, financed by government scholarships.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase often implies that there's another reason besides money driving the transaction, such as goodwill or public service.

Common error

Avoid using "for a token fee" if the item or service genuinely has a low value. This phrase is most effective when there's a significant disparity between the cost and the inherent or potential value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a token fee" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the cost associated with an action or transaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a minimal payment relative to the actual value.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12.5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a token fee" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a situation where a very small amount of money is charged, often for symbolic purposes. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it's best used when the actual value is significantly higher than the fee. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also in Wiki, scientific, and formal business publications. Related phrases include ""for a nominal charge"" and ""at a symbolic price"". Remember to use it when there's a clear disparity between the cost and the value, and avoid using it when the value is genuinely low.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a nominal charge

Focuses on the charge being very small in relation to the actual value.

at a symbolic price

Emphasizes the price as a representation rather than a true economic exchange.

for a pittance

Highlights the extremely small amount of money involved.

at a reduced rate

Indicates that the regular price has been lowered significantly.

for a small consideration

Implies that the payment is more of a formality than a substantial transaction.

for next to nothing

Emphasizes the extreme cheapness of the payment.

at a heavily discounted price

Similar to reduced rate, but emphasizes the extent of the discount.

for a trifling amount

Suggests the amount is so small it's almost insignificant.

for a peppercorn rent

A legal term implying a very low or nominal rent.

at a bargain price

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the price for the buyer.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a token fee" to describe situations where something is offered at a very low price, often symbolic rather than reflecting the true value. For example, "The land was leased "for a token fee" to the charity."

What does "for a token fee" mean?

"For a token fee" means charging a very small amount of money, often as a formality, when the real value is much higher. It suggests that the price is symbolic rather than economically significant.

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

Alternatives to "for a token fee" include "for a nominal charge", "at a symbolic price", or "for a pittance". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is "for a token fee" different from "for free"?

Yes, "for a token fee" implies a small payment is required, while "for free" means there is no charge at all. The token fee often has a symbolic purpose, whereas 'for free' indicates a complete absence of cost.