lump sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lump sum" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to an amount of money that is paid all at once, instead of in payments over a period of time. For example, "We received a lump sum of $1000 as a reward for our hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

All in one delightfully fat lump sum.

The New York Times

How large would that lump sum be?

The New York Times

Should I take a lump sum?

The Guardian - Money

Late or lump sum payments do not count for PSLF.

University of California, Berkeley

The lower the rate, the higher the lump sum.

The Guardian - Business

The charity receives the donations in a monthly lump sum.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

§ 838.235 Payment of lump-sum awards.

Cornell University

11 fondness of politicians for "lump-sum transfers".

The New York Times

Lump-sum payments shift all the risk to the individual.

The New York Times

Of course, it's not all about lump-sum transfers.

The New York Times

Lump-sum distribution.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or contract-related documents, ensure the term "lump sum" is precisely defined to avoid ambiguity regarding payment terms.

Common error

Avoid using "lump sum" when referring to payments made in installments. A "lump sum" is a single, one-time payment, whereas installments are a series of payments made over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lump sum" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically modifying another noun (e.g., "lump sum payment", "lump sum distribution"). As shown by Ludwig AI, it describes a single, substantial payment, contrasting with periodic installments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lump sum" refers to a single payment made in full, contrasting with installment payments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts, it serves to clarify payment methods in financial and legal discussions. For alternatives, consider "one-time payment" or "single payment". Remember to avoid confusing it with installment plans and consult a tax advisor regarding potential tax implications. When you need to specify how much you will get paid, Ludwig is there to help.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-time payment

Replaces "lump sum" with a more explicit description of the payment's timing.

single payment

Focuses on the singularity of the payment, similar to "lump sum".

bulk payment

Emphasizes the large size of the payment, akin to "lump sum".

total amount

Refers to the complete sum of money, aligning with the overall value of a "lump sum".

aggregate payment

Uses a more formal term to denote a combined or total payment.

entire sum

Highlights that the full amount is being paid at once.

full settlement

Implies a complete and final payment, often used in legal or financial contexts.

upfront payment

Focuses on the timing of the payment being at the beginning.

fixed fee

Implies a one-time set charge, and can be used depending on the context.

gross payment

Highlights the payment amount before any deductions.

FAQs

How is a "lump sum" payment different from an annuity?

A "lump sum" is a single, one-time payment, while an annuity is a series of payments made over a period, often monthly or annually. Choosing between a "lump sum" and an annuity depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

What are the tax implications of receiving a "lump sum"?

Receiving a "lump sum" can have significant tax implications, as the entire amount is taxed in the year it's received. This could push you into a higher tax bracket. It's essential to consult a tax advisor to understand the potential impact and explore strategies to mitigate taxes.

When might taking a "lump sum" be a better choice than regular payments?

Taking a "lump sum" might be preferable if you have immediate financial needs, investment opportunities with potentially high returns, or concerns about the long-term stability of the entity making the payments. However, it requires careful financial planning and management.

What are some alternatives to saying "lump sum" in financial documents?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "one-time payment", "single payment", or "total amount". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.