little gratuity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little gratuity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of money given as a tip or token of appreciation for service. Example: "After enjoying a lovely meal, I decided to leave a little gratuity for the attentive waiter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I just find those little gratuity fields on the Web site so impersonal.

The New Yorker

A little gratuity to the housekeeper usually ensures that your bed will be freshly top-sheeted when the room is serviced.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A small gratuity.

The New Yorker

5. Participants receive a small gratuity (instant scratch-it) with each questionnaire.

BMC Public Health

In addition, Curious now gives learners the ability to provide a little monetary gratuity to teachers at the end of lessons, as a little symbolic, digital way to say "thanks, teach and keep up the good work".

TechCrunch

"I do carry a little cash, but only for gratuities".

The New York Times

In states that don't mandate a higher level, employers can pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 per hour, leaving gratuities to make up the difference between that and the standard minimum wage.

Huffington Post

At his gentleman's club, tipping is strictly forbidden and elsewhere all other gratuities are best left to the little woman.

The Guardian

There is almost no visual description in his work, very little metaphor or figuration, no fine phrasing or lush gratuity.

The New Yorker

On-call town car (a taxi ride with the inevitable careening driver, can kill next meetings quicker than lettuce in a front tooth) -- around $3,000 for three days of business in a tight little trajectory near Capitol Hill, though it's nice that the 20percentt gratuity is included.

Huffington Post

ROOM SERVICE There is plenty on the menu, but with the hotel only steps from many restaurants and next door to a Starbucks, there is little need for eggs that cost $15 plus a $5 delivery charge and 18percentt gratuity.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little gratuity", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a small amount of money given as a tip or token of appreciation. This avoids ambiguity, particularly in settings where gratuities are expected to be substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "little gratuity" when the amount is actually significant. Using "generous gratuity" or "substantial tip" will better reflect the actual value and intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little gratuity" functions as a noun phrase where "little" modifies the noun "gratuity". It describes the size or amount of a tip. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts related to services and tipping.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little gratuity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small tip, as confirmed by Ludwig. While "gratuity" itself is slightly more formal than "tip", the word "little" adds an informal aspect. Ludwig's examples show that the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. For increased clarity and common understanding, using "small tip" may be preferred, especially in less formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small tip

Replaces "gratuity" with the more common term "tip", implying a smaller amount.

modest gratuity

Substitutes "little" with "modest" to convey a similar sense of smallness in the amount.

small token of appreciation

Replaces "gratuity" with a more descriptive phrase indicating the purpose of the tip.

small sum of money

Replaces "gratuity" with a more general term for a small amount of money.

token tip

Uses "token" to suggest a symbolic or minimal gratuity.

small consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness behind the gratuity, rather than the monetary value.

minor gratuity

Uses "minor" instead of "little" to indicate a small amount.

tiny tip

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the tip.

small reward

Frames the gratuity as a reward for service.

nominal gratuity

Indicates the gratuity is small and given as a formality.

FAQs

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

You can use "little gratuity" to describe a small tip left for service. For example: "I left a "little gratuity" for the housekeeper after my stay."

What's a more common way to say "little gratuity"?

A more common and readily understood alternative to "little gratuity" is "small tip". This phrase is widely used and immediately conveys the same meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "little gratuity" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "little gratuity" might sound slightly informal. In a formal setting, consider using "modest gratuity" or "small token of appreciation" to maintain a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "gratuity" and "tip"?

"Gratuity" is a more formal term for a tip, which is a voluntary payment given for services rendered. The term "tip" is a shorter, more common alternative to "gratuity", and both imply the same thing.