little dividend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little dividend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small return or benefit gained from an investment or effort. Example: "After months of hard work, the team finally received a little dividend in the form of positive feedback from the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was not pretty and it was bringing him little dividend.

The Guardian - Sport

His presence is a nifty little dividend, as it was in "Cold Mountain," "Space Cowboys," "Pride and Prejudice" and scores of other films.

The New York Times

And New York would reap a nice little dividend: two hundred million dollars or so, which would come in handy, in these lean budgetary times.

The New Yorker

The push has paid off in increased membership, prestige and visibility for the Girl Scouts, and has also produced a nice little dividend.

The New York Times

That sudden flush of morning light is autumn's little dividend, and just at a time of year when it's been seeming harder and harder to get up.

The New York Times

The original 1991 Father of the Bride was based on the 1950 film of the same name, while 1995's Father of the Bride II was loosely based on 1951's Father's Little Dividend, a sequel to the earlier movie.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Additionally, the fund has no investments in Indian companies, primarily because they pay little dividends.

Independent

But that's a discussion to have with your husband, because they're his little dividends — I mean, daughters.

The New York Times

But the three biggest off-season moves made by the Rangers have paid little dividends so far.

The New York Times - Sports

Tax efficiency is super high because fund has little turnover and only small dividend income.

Forbes

Darman sprinkled his own little peace dividend about politically popular domestic programs--as well as on a project dear to his own heart, the proposed manned landing on Mars.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little dividend" when you want to subtly emphasize that the return on an investment or effort is modest but still worthwhile.

Common error

Avoid using "little dividend" when describing a major or substantial gain, as it can downplay the actual impact or importance of the result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little dividend" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "little" modifies the noun "dividend". It is used to describe a modest or small return on investment or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little dividend" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies a small or modest return or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is primarily found in News & Media contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the idea of a limited but still positive outcome. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual size of the gain to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "small return" or "minor benefit" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small return

Replaces "dividend" with a more general term for profit or yield.

minor benefit

Substitutes "dividend" with a term that emphasizes the advantage gained.

slight advantage

Focuses on the small degree of benefit received.

modest gain

Emphasizes the limited increase or profit.

tiny profit

Highlights the small size of the financial return.

limited return

Stresses the restricted nature of the benefit.

marginal gain

Suggests the gain is just above the threshold of significance.

small perk

Indicates a minor advantage or bonus.

meager reward

Highlights the insubstantial nature of the compensation.

paltry benefit

Emphasizes the insignificance of the advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "little dividend" in a sentence?

You can use "little dividend" to describe a small benefit or return resulting from an investment, effort, or activity. For example, "After months of hard work, the team received a "little dividend" in the form of positive client feedback."

What phrases are similar to "little dividend"?

Alternatives to "little dividend" include "small return", "minor benefit", or "slight advantage". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "little dividend" in formal writing?

Yes, "little dividend" is generally appropriate for formal writing, but it's crucial to ensure the tone aligns with the context. In highly technical or academic writing, more precise terminology might be preferable.

What's the difference between "little dividend" and "windfall"?

"Little dividend" refers to a small, often expected, return, while "windfall" implies a sudden, unexpected, and often substantial gain. They differ significantly in scale and predictability.