loose change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose change" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to small coins or money that is not in bills, often found in pockets or at the bottom of bags. Example: "I found some loose change in my couch cushions and decided to use it to buy a coffee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Loose Change.

The New York Times

Sophie: Loose change?

The New Yorker

$100m isn't loose change.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're not talking loose change.

The New York Times

Maybe it wasn't loose change.

The New Yorker

No more searching for loose change.

The New York Times

Like they're loose change or something.

The New York Times - Style

It smashed into loose change in seconds.

The New York Times

SHOPPING with coupons and jars of loose change.

The Economist

Loose change may be disposed of in the compost bin.

The New York Times

And then after 50, the rest is just loose change".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context. "Loose change" is generally appropriate for informal situations or when discussing small amounts of money, but more formal settings may require more precise terminology, such as "small denominations".

Common error

Avoid using "loose change" when referring to substantial amounts, as it can diminish the importance of the sum. For larger sums, specify the actual amount or use terms like "funds" or "capital".

Linguistic Context

"Loose change" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing readily available small coins, or as a metaphor for something insignificant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase "loose change" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to small amounts of coins. Predominantly used in news, media, and informal settings, the term effectively conveys the idea of readily available minor funds or something of little significance. While alternatives like "small change" or "spare coins" exist, "loose change" maintains a widespread understanding in general conversation. However, in formal contexts, opting for more precise language can prevent any potential misinterpretation of the value being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spare coins

Refers to extra or available coins, similar to "loose change".

small change

Emphasizes the low value of the coins, like "loose change".

extra coins

Suggests additional or surplus coins, synonymous with "loose change".

change

A shorter and more general term, encompasses the concept of "loose change".

pocket money

Implies a small allowance, akin to having "loose change".

coins

Directly refers to the physical form of "loose change", emphasizing the metallic currency.

petty cash

Describes a small fund for minor expenses, related to the idea of "loose change".

oddments of currency

Refers to leftover or miscellaneous small denominations, similar to "loose change".

insignificant funds

Highlights the minimal value associated with "loose change".

trivial sum

Indicates a small and unimportant amount, like "loose change".

FAQs

How can I use "loose change" in a sentence?

You can use "loose change" to describe small amounts of coins someone has. For example, "I found some "loose change" in my pocket and used it to buy a coffee."

What is another way to say "loose change"?

Alternatives to "loose change" include "small change", "spare coins", or "pocket money", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "loose changes"?

No, the correct form is "loose change". The word "change" is an uncountable noun in this context, so it does not have a plural form.

What's the difference between "loose change" and "petty cash"?

"Loose change" generally refers to coins in one's possession, while "petty cash" is a fund specifically set aside for minor expenses in a business or organization.