low payrolls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low payrolls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the financial aspect of a business, particularly in relation to employee compensation or costs. Example: "The company's decision to maintain low payrolls has allowed it to invest more in research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A few teams have such low payrolls that they would dip below the minimum-payroll requirements.

The New York Times - Sports

The Twins and the Rays have low payrolls and no openings.

The New York Times

The Athletics and the Twins are in the playoffs in spite of their low payrolls because of the way they run their organizations.

The New York Times - Sports

And some of the lowest-revenue teams like the Kansas City Chiefs have such low payrolls that they may not get anywhere near last season's $108 million minimum.

The New York Times

And what is truly getting everyone's attention is that a team long associated with low payrolls and little inclination to pursue top-tier free agents suddenly seems inclined to spend money.

The New York Times - Sports

Just a few years ago the union raised questions as to whether the Marlins, with their markedly low payrolls, were violating the collective bargaining agreement by not using revenue-sharing money on player development and salaries.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Those players complement a devastating pitching staff, and the Athletics win big despite a low payroll.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite playing in a large market, the Phillies had a low payroll and jaded fans.

The New York Times - Sports

Beane has made a reputation by winning with a low payroll.

The New York Times - Sports

All are homegrown and younger than 30, a necessary byproduct of their low payroll.

The New York Times - Sports

Washington has been a last-place team on a low payroll since the lockout ended in 2005.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's financial strategy, use "low payrolls" to highlight efficient cost management and resource allocation, particularly in contrast to revenue generation or investment in other areas.

Common error

Avoid framing "low payrolls" solely as a negative aspect related to employee compensation. Instead, contextualize it within the company's broader financial strategies and potential benefits, such as increased investment in other areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low payrolls" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a company's financial state or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "low payrolls" is a grammatically sound noun phrase often employed to describe a company's financial strategy regarding employee compensation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to highlight efficient cost management. When using the term, consider its neutral register and contextualize it to avoid negative connotations, and when a single phrase doesn't quite communicate the message, consider using alternatives like "reduced payroll costs" or "lean staffing budgets".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced payroll costs

Focuses on the cost aspect of payroll, implying a deliberate reduction.

minimal wage expenses

Emphasizes the expenses related to wages, suggesting a bare minimum approach.

lean staffing budgets

Highlights the budget allocated for staffing, indicating a tight or efficient allocation.

modest salary expenditure

Focuses on the spending related to salaries, implying a restrained or economical approach.

economical personnel budgets

Highlights the budget allocated for personnel costs, indicating a cost-effective approach.

cost-effective employment spending

Focuses on the spending related to employment, emphasizing the value for money.

tight wage budgets

Indicates strict limitations on the amount allocated for wages.

controlled labor costs

Highlights that the costs of labor are actively managed to remain low.

restricted compensation budgets

Focuses on the limited budget available for employee compensation.

low personnel expenses

Emphasizes the reduced expenses related to personnel, suggesting overall cost management.

FAQs

How can I use "low payrolls" in a sentence?

You can use "low payrolls" to describe a company's financial strategy, as in "The company's strategy of maintaining "low payrolls" has enabled them to invest more in research and development."

What are some alternatives to "low payrolls"?

Alternatives include "reduced payroll costs", "minimal wage expenses", or "lean staffing budgets" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "low payrolls" or "lower payrolls"?

"Low payrolls" generally refers to a state or condition of having payroll costs that are low in general. "Lower payrolls" would be used when comparing to a previous state or another entity. So if you want to compare it would be more appropriate to say "lower payrolls".

What does it mean when a company has "low payrolls"?

It typically means the company spends a relatively small amount on employee salaries and wages compared to its revenue or other companies in the same industry. This can be due to various factors, such as employing fewer people, paying lower wages, or a combination of both.