mere pennies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere pennies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very inexpensive or trivial in cost. Example: "The repairs for the car will only cost mere pennies compared to what I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But labor costs amount to mere pennies on the dollar of the cost of produce.

The New York Times

Batiste Dry Shampoo claims to "banish oil and boost body," and it does that for mere pennies.

The New York Times

For HomeSeekers, which is nearing profitability but trading for mere pennies on the Nasdaq, the publicity is perhaps more valuable.

The New York Times

Some would say that, for a red reminiscent of the kinky flash of a Louboutin sole, £60 is mere pennies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For mere pennies you can buy followers for your weibo account to make you look more popular (known as "zombie followers" because they mindlessly follow others).

The Economist

He raised the minimum wage from mere pennies, disbanded an army that bullied the population, and started providing education and medical care to the poor majority.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Even Citigroup managed to get the Fed's permission for a quarterly dividend payout, albeit a mere penny.

The New York Times

By next year, the cost of sequencing a person's genome is expected to be a mere penny per base pair.

MIT Technology Review

With many investors counting on earnings forecasts to be well managed by some companies, a miss of a mere penny or so can send a stock tumbling.

The New York Times

As he switched on and got stuck into the latest Wimpy Kid (a mere penny cheaper than the hardback version, despite no manufacturing or physical delivery costs), I caught up with Christina Clark, head of research at the National Literacy Trust.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The company did report a spectacular percentage increase in earnings for the quarter -- but mainly because its profit, 18 cents a share, looked so good compared with the mere penny a share it had made a year earlier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere pennies" to emphasize how surprisingly inexpensive something is, especially when contrasting it with a much larger expected cost or value. For example: "Compared to the potential revenue, the initial investment was a matter of mere pennies."

Common error

While "mere pennies" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "negligible cost" or "minimal expense" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere pennies" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies something (usually a cost or value) as being extremely small or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere pennies" is a phrase used to underscore the negligible cost or value of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English. Although its register leans towards neutral, it is more frequently encountered in news and media contexts than in strictly formal writing. While its literal application is monetary, it can be used metaphorically to describe minimal effort or significance. Alternative expressions include "small change" or "next to nothing". However, in formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "negligible cost" to maintain professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small change

Implies an insignificant amount of money, often pocket change.

next to nothing

Suggests the cost is so low it's almost free.

a pittance

Highlights the inadequacy of the amount.

a trifling sum

Emphasizes the unimportance of the monetary value.

dirt cheap

Indicates something is extremely inexpensive.

a song

Expresses that something was bought at a very low price.

nominal fee

Describes a fee that is very low and often symbolic.

chicken feed

Suggests a very small and insignificant amount of money.

a steal

Emphasizes the advantageous price at which something was acquired.

peanuts

Implies a very small amount of money, often in the context of compensation.

FAQs

How can I use "mere pennies" in a sentence?

You can use "mere pennies" to describe something that costs very little. For example, "The solution cost "mere pennies" compared to the benefits it provided".

What's a more formal way to say "mere pennies"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a negligible amount", "a trivial sum", or "a minimal cost" instead of "mere pennies".

Is it appropriate to use "mere pennies" in business writing?

While understandable, "mere pennies" might be too informal for certain business contexts. Assess your audience and opt for more professional language when needed. Consider alternatives such as "a nominal fee" or "minimal expense".

Can "mere pennies" be used to describe something other than money?

While primarily used to describe a small monetary value, "mere pennies" can metaphorically describe something of very little significance or effort. However, ensure the context is appropriate to avoid confusion. For example: "The effort required was "mere pennies" compared to the reward".