minimal charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimal charge" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the lowest or smallest amount that can be charged for a service or product. Example: "We offer our customers a range of payment options, including a minimal charge for those who prefer to pay in full upfront."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

If not, copies can be ordered from the Dyson School for a minimal charge.

Cornell University

The deckchairs are open for use by anyone at a minimal charge of £2 for a four-hour rest.

Independent

How many drugs should we cover with such prizes, and then distribute free or at minimal charge?

The New York Times

A minimal charge (of between two and five rupees) helps these "toilet complexes" towards Pathak's goal of becoming economically self-sufficient.

The Guardian

A9 Minimal Charge for Cleric An Indonesian court essentially rejected Bush administration accusations against a radical Islamic cleric, Abu Bakar Bashir.

The New York Times

For IT managers the main attraction was that for this minimal charge, the BlackBerry devices also somehow came with global unlimited data.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Charges for users are minimal; charges for developers are fractional.

The Guardian - Tech

China could have charged Bo with the political equivalent of a misdemeanor deciding, for instance, that the accusations against him would be handled inside the Party or in court with minimal charges, as some analysts had predicted.

The New Yorker

Lewis said that the group hopes to secure Newsome's release and to fight for minimal charges against her, and that the act of civil disobedience inspires others to "start becoming active agents in their own change".

The Guardian

China could have charged Bo with the political equivalent of a misdemeanor — deciding, for instance, that the accusations against him would be handled inside the Party or in court with minimal charges, as some analysts had predicted.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet China could have charged Bo with the political equivalent of a misdemeanor — deciding, for instance, that the accusations against him would be handled inside the Party or in court with minimal charges, as some analysts had predicted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing pricing, use "minimal charge" to convey affordability and avoid scaring off potential customers with the perception of high costs.

Common error

While "minimal charge" suggests affordability, avoid overusing it in promotional materials, as it can make your pricing strategy seem less transparent and potentially raise suspicion. Vary your language to build trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal charge" functions as a noun phrase, where "minimal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "charge". This indicates a fee that is very small or insignificant. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing costs for various services and products.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimal charge" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a very low or symbolic cost. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While not extremely frequent, it effectively communicates affordability. When employing this phrase, consider the potential overuse in marketing materials to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "nominal fee" or "small fee" offer semantic variations that can enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nominal fee

Refers to a very small fee, often just symbolic.

low cost

Indicates a generally inexpensive price.

small fee

Emphasizes the low monetary value.

reduced rate

Suggests a decrease from the standard price.

modest price

Highlights the reasonable and affordable nature of the cost.

affordable cost

Focuses on the accessibility of the price to consumers.

negligible expense

Implies the cost is so small it's almost not worth considering.

slight payment

Emphasizes the insignificance of the payment amount.

basic charge

Indicates a standard, low-level fee.

entry-level price

Suggests the lowest possible price point.

FAQs

How can I use "minimal charge" in a sentence?

You can use "minimal charge" to describe a service or product that is offered at a very low cost. For example: "We offer basic access to the platform for a "minimal charge"."

What are some alternatives to "minimal charge"?

Alternatives to "minimal charge" include "nominal fee", "small fee", or "low cost", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "minimal charge" or "small charge"?

Both "minimal charge" and "small charge" are acceptable, but "minimal charge" might suggest an even lower price point or a symbolic fee.

What's the difference between "minimal charge" and "base price"?

"Minimal charge" refers to a very low cost for something, while "base price" indicates the starting price before any additions or modifications.