modest fee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or reasonable charge for a service or product. Example: "The workshop will be available for a modest fee, making it accessible to everyone interested in attending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Search firms are charged a modest fee.

Cornell University

They charge a modest fee to join.

The New York Times

She currently is up for adoption for a very modest fee of $400.

The New York Times

For a modest fee, customers can store valuable personal content in a Yahoo!

The Economist

Upright Citizens Brigade artists also say that stage time is more valuable than a modest fee.

The New York Times

This seemingly modest fee yielded about $750 million per year for the Nuclear Waste Fund.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It charges nothing for low amounts of data, and a modest fee for bigger requests.

The Economist

The bootblack is charged a modest fee for the route and the shoe shine box.

The New Yorker

When he wrote recently for the Guardian, he declined the (admittedly modest) fee.

The Guardian - Opinion

calm jittery foreign investors by "guaranteeing international loans for a modest fee" up to a limit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The microfilm will also be available, at a modest fee, for loan to other libraries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fees, use "modest fee" to convey that the cost is reasonable and won't be a burden. For example, "We offer the course for a "modest fee" to make it accessible to all students."

Common error

While "modest fee" implies affordability, don't assume it's open to negotiation unless explicitly stated. It generally indicates a fixed, non-high price.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest fee" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "fee." It is used to describe the cost of something, indicating that it is reasonable and not excessively high. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest fee" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a price that is reasonable and affordable. Ludwig AI confirms it's used across diverse contexts, from news to academia. When employing "modest fee", ensure you're conveying accessibility without implying negotiability. Alternatives like ""reasonable charge"" or ""nominal fee"" can add nuance. Its wide usage and neutral register make it a versatile choice for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable charge

Emphasizes the fairness and appropriateness of the cost.

nominal fee

Suggests the fee is so small it's almost symbolic.

small fee

Directly indicates the fee is not large.

low cost

Focuses on the affordability aspect.

affordable price

Highlights that the price is within reach for many people.

discounted rate

Implies a reduction from a standard price.

reduced price

Indicates a price that has been lowered.

budget-friendly cost

Highlights suitability for those with limited funds.

economical rate

Suggests efficiency and value for money.

reasonable price

Indicates fairness and justification in the cost.

FAQs

How can I use "modest fee" in a sentence?

You can use "modest fee" to describe the cost of a service or product that is reasonably priced. For example, "Participants can attend the workshop for a "modest fee" of $25.".

What are some alternatives to "modest fee"?

Alternatives to "modest fee" include "reasonable charge", "nominal fee", or "small fee". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest fee" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest fee" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to communicate that a price is reasonable. It is commonly used in business, academic, and news contexts.

What does "modest fee" imply about the quality of service?

"Modest fee" primarily focuses on the price. It doesn't directly imply anything about the quality of service. The quality of service should be described separately.