handsome sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handsome sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large amount of money, often in a positive or favorable context. Example: "After selling the old property, she received a handsome sum that allowed her to invest in her dream business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Just be prepared to pay a handsome sum.

The New York Times

Having pocketed a handsome sum, Mr Frère did not sit on the cash for long.

The Economist

"I sold it to my friends for the handsome sum of 50p".

The Guardian - Books

These will be made individually in the designer's studio, but sold (for a handsome sum) in selected upscale stores.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The most famous example in business history is Henry Ford's decision, in 1914, to start paying his workers the then handsome sum of five dollars a day.

The New Yorker

I lived in a former one-room schoolhouse nearby and earned a handsome sum operating a pneumatic hammer, a type of jackhammer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Scientists are pocketing handsome sums advising on sequestration projects.

The Economist

huckster appears & offers them handsome sums if they will endorse clothing bearing their names.

The New Yorker

America has a great tradition of paying serious writers handsome sums to produce quality journalism.

The Guardian - Sport

The firm's 103,000 workers earn handsome sums: Germany's car workers are the world's highest paid.

The Economist

And if other beleaguered tech companies think that suitors will pay such handsome sums, more transactions may be coming down the pike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "handsome sum" when you want to positively emphasize the size of an amount, implying it's significant and perhaps well-deserved or beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "handsome sum" in overly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "substantial amount" or "significant sum" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handsome sum" functions as a noun phrase where "handsome" modifies "sum". It describes a specific quantity of money or something of value. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and in the provided examples, it clearly denotes a significant amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "handsome sum" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a significant amount of money or value. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral-to-informal register, making it best suited for general writing and news rather than strictly formal or academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "substantial amount" or "considerable sum" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hefty sum

Emphasizes the considerable size or weight of the amount.

substantial amount

Focuses on the significant quantity or degree of something, often money.

considerable sum

Highlights that the amount is noteworthy or deserving of attention.

significant amount

Underscores the importance or impact of the quantity.

generous amount

Implies the amount is more than adequate or expected.

large sum of money

Directly states a large amount of currency.

tidy sum

Suggests the amount is neatly arranged or well-earned.

goodly sum

An older, somewhat archaic term for a considerable amount.

nice little earner

An idiom suggesting that someone receives a good amount of money on consistent basis.

king's ransom

This idiom refers to the sum of money that is substantial enough to pay off a royal ransom.

FAQs

How can I use "handsome sum" in a sentence?

You can use "handsome sum" to describe a significant amount of money someone has earned or received, as in "She received a "handsome sum" for her invention".

What's a more formal alternative to "handsome sum"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "substantial amount" or "significant amount" instead of "handsome sum".

Is it appropriate to use "handsome sum" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "handsome sum" might be perceived as too informal for academic writing. Consider using more neutral phrases like "considerable sum" or "notable amount".

What does "handsome sum" imply about the money being described?

"Handsome sum" implies the amount is not only large but also desirable or beneficial, suggesting a positive connotation associated with the money.