little dividends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little dividends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to small benefits or returns gained from an investment or effort, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Even though the project was challenging, it yielded little dividends in terms of team cohesion and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

Independent

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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

He had a small part in Vincente Minnelli's Father's Little Dividend (1951) and wrote briefly for the radio comedy Duffy's Tavern, but he was working as a bartender in 1952 when the comic Tommy Noonan introduced him to Rowan, a former used-car dealer.

The Guardian

Father's Little Dividend (1951) was released ten months later and performed well at the box office.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little dividends" to describe the small, incremental benefits that accumulate over time from sustained effort or investment. It suggests that while the individual gains may be small, their cumulative effect can be worthwhile.

Common error

Avoid using "little dividends" when the actual benefits are substantial or transformative. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the gains are genuinely modest and incremental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little dividends" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It describes small or incremental benefits or returns from an investment or effort. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little dividends" refers to small or incremental benefits or returns. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It functions as a noun phrase, typically the object of a verb, to describe modest gains accumulating over time. While not exceedingly common, its appearance in reputable news sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian suggests appropriate usage in neutral contexts. Remember to use "little dividends" when describing truly modest returns; otherwise, consider stronger alternatives like "significant returns" when the benefits are substantial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest returns

Replaces "dividends" with "returns", emphasizing the financial aspect but keeping the small scale.

small gains

Substitutes "dividends" with "gains", focusing on the positive outcomes achieved.

minor benefits

Replaces the financial term with a more general term for advantages, implying limited impact.

slight advantages

Similar to "minor benefits", but focuses on the competitive edge provided.

limited perks

Uses "perks" to indicate benefits, highlighting the limited and possibly non-essential nature of the advantages.

meager profits

Focuses specifically on financial profits that are small in amount.

insignificant yield

Emphasizes the low level of output or return on investment.

minimal advantages

Similar to "minor benefits", but perhaps with an even stronger implication of scarcity.

tiny rewards

Highlights the small size of the positive outcomes or incentives.

marginal gains

Emphasizes that the improvements or benefits are at the edge of profitability or significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "little dividends" to describe small, incremental benefits or returns. For example, "Even though the project was challenging, it yielded "little dividends" in terms of team cohesion and experience".

What are some alternatives to "little dividends"?

Some alternatives include "modest returns", "small gains", or "minor benefits". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

While "little dividends" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, alternatives such as "modest returns" or "minor benefits" might be more suitable due to their more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "little dividends" and "significant returns"?

"Little dividends" implies small, incremental gains, while "significant returns" suggests substantial and noteworthy benefits. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the returns.