frugally

USAGE SUMMARY

'frugally' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is careful with their spending and resources. For example, "The family has been living frugally since their daughter started college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his early days he lived frugally and saved to support his brother and sister in India.

The Economist

Its first work was on government contracts, including the development of low-earth orbiting satellites and a digital version of high-definition television.But what really excited Dr Jacobs was the possibility of bringing to the market a technology for digital mobile-telephone networks that would use radio spectrum three times as frugally as rival systems and yet be better and more reliable.

The Economist

That leaves it up to the vendor to handle the business of designing networks, putting up base stations and so on, giving it an incentive to build the network as frugally as possible.

The Economist

They were obliged to live frugally, rise early, put on a suit every day and tirelessly accost strangers.

The Economist

Now there's a way to motivate frugally.

The Economist

They entertained him frugally: he had a peanut-butter and jam sandwich.

The Economist

Sri Lankan housemaids working abroad live frugally so as to send home most of their pay.

The Economist

It has spent frugally and made careful use of its natural advantages, such as its prime position astride important trade routes.

The Economist

As Mr Passin points out, if a small company like his can produce a new car so quickly and frugally, surely carmaking giants can become leaner too.

The Economist

He lunches frugally at his desk, typically on yogurt and an apple, which he eats to the core.

The Economist

The idea of running a genuinely global network, let alone doing so frugally, is on trial even if the banks themselves have escaped prosecution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial strategies, use "frugally" to emphasize the active and intentional practice of saving and avoiding unnecessary spending.

Common error

Avoid using "frugally" when "cheaply" is more appropriate. "Frugally" implies careful resource management, while "cheaply" can suggest low quality or cutting corners at the expense of value.

Linguistic Context

Frugally functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done in a way that conserves resources, typically money. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frugally" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverb that describes the act of being economical and avoiding waste. As Ludwig AI points out, it's employed across various contexts, most commonly in news and media, to portray careful resource management. Related terms include "economically" and "thriftily", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Remember to use "frugally" when you want to emphasize thoughtful saving, and avoid confusing it with simply being "cheap". Mastering this word enhances your ability to convey financial prudence and resourcefulness effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an economical manner

Rephrases "frugally" using a more descriptive phrase.

economically

Focuses on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

thriftily

Highlights the virtue of saving and avoiding waste.

with careful budgeting

Emphasizes the planning and management aspect of saving money.

sparingly

Emphasizes using only a small amount of something.

prudently

Suggests wisdom and good judgment in managing resources.

carefully

Indicates attention to detail and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

parsimoniously

Implies extreme reluctance to spend money.

stingily

Suggests an unwillingness to share resources, often negatively.

on a shoestring budget

Describes operating with very limited financial resources.

FAQs

How can I use "frugally" in a sentence?

You can use "frugally" to describe someone who spends money carefully, such as, "They lived "frugally" to save for their children's education".

What's the difference between "frugally" and "cheaply"?

"Frugally" implies careful and efficient use of resources, while "cheaply" suggests low quality or a lack of value. Someone who lives "frugally" might still buy high-quality items on sale, while someone who buys things cheaply focuses solely on the lowest price.

What are some synonyms for "frugally"?

Alternatives to "frugally" include "economically", "thriftily", and "sparingly". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe someone as living "frugally"?

Generally, yes. However, if taken to an extreme, living "frugally" might be viewed as being overly stingy or miserly. It depends on the degree and the motivations behind the frugality.