large outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant expenditure or investment, often in a financial context. Example: "The company made a large outlay on new equipment to improve production efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

NEW YORK SPENDS MILLIONS Bridges, Roads, Schools and Other Public Buildings Call for a Large Outlay.

The New York Times

That lead was not insurmountable, but overcoming it would have required a large outlay of campaign money that just was not there.

The New York Times

It remains unlikely the club will commit to a large outlay this winter despite rumours linking them with a series of high-profile targets.

Independent

But if you put Obamacare out of your mind, this program still represents a very large outlay of federal money to help Americans buy health insurance.

The New York Times

Despite the Tories' large outlay, they tied with the Greens in terms of the growth of their social communities, both gaining 7% in support for the last three months of 2014.

The Guardian

Mourinho has long spoken of the need for a "killer" striker and it can be assumed Chelsea are prepared to make a large outlay, with Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa hotly tipped to be the number one target.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Second, there have been large outlays on financial rescues.

The New York Times

Rescuing the financial system will probably require large outlays beyond the funds already disbursed.

The New York Times

A savings account is also a place to keep cash you set aside for large outlays like car insurance payments.

Stanford University

Traditional manufacturing facilities require large outlays of capital and are generally designed with a fixed set of products in mind; their profitability comes from economies of scale.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Housing, medical care, and other services are inadequate, despite large outlays by municipalities and the republic to keep up with the expanding population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in informal contexts; opt for simpler terms like "big expense" or "costly investment".

Common error

Don't use "large outlay" interchangeably with "revenue" or "income". "Outlay" specifically refers to an expenditure, not earnings. For example, "The project required a large outlay" indicates spending, not profit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large outlay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It quantifies the magnitude of expenditure, often in contexts involving financial discussions. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "large outlay" is a common and correct way to describe a significant financial expenditure. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When writing, remember that "outlay" refers specifically to spending, not revenue. Alternatives include "substantial expenditure" or "significant investment". To make your writing more precise, use "large outlay" when you want to highlight a significant investment and to provide information instead of using "big expense".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant outlay of funds

Reiterates the original phrase with emphasis on "funds".

substantial expenditure

Focuses on the spending aspect while highlighting the significant amount.

significant investment

Emphasizes the investment aspect, implying a return or future benefit.

considerable expense

Highlights the cost involved, suggesting it's a noteworthy amount.

major disbursement

Focuses on the act of paying out a large sum of money.

heavy investment

Stresses the intensity and scale of the investment.

major capital expenditure

Specifies that the expense pertains to capital assets.

substantial cash injection

Highlights the input of cash, suggesting a revitalizing effect.

considerable financial commitment

Underscores the dedication of resources to a specific purpose.

significant cash flow

Focuses on the movement of money, especially outward.

FAQs

How can I use "large outlay" in a sentence?

You can use "large outlay" to describe a significant expenditure. For instance, "The company needed a "significant investment" for the new project" or "The government approved a "substantial expenditure" for infrastructure improvements".

What are some alternatives to "large outlay"?

Alternatives include "substantial expenditure", "significant investment", or "considerable expense", depending on the specific context.

Is "large outlay" formal or informal?

"Large outlay" is generally considered suitable for formal and professional contexts, like business reports or news articles. In informal conversation, phrases like "big expense" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "large outlay" and "capital expenditure"?

"Large outlay" is a general term for a significant expenditure. "Capital expenditure", however, specifically refers to expenses related to acquiring or improving fixed assets like property, equipment, or buildings.