nominal charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nominal charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small or minimal fee that is charged for a service or item, often to cover administrative costs. Example: "The library requires a nominal charge for late returns to encourage timely returns of borrowed materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A doctor and dentist, for a nominal charge.

The Guardian

Devices not meeting the minimum operating system requirements may involve a nominal charge for upgrade.

Cornell University

Treatment is free, after a nominal charge which is universal in Sweden.

The Economist

Trail guides are available for a nominal charge at the marine centre, where snorkelling equipment can also be hired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It would be our intention to transfer ownership to you for the nominal charge of £1 per camera".

The Guardian

However, Williams said: "You could also have a nominal charge for prescriptions for older people, with appropriate exemptions.

The Guardian

I later found out from Nissan Consumer Affairs that I could cancel it immediately for a nominal charge.

The New York Times

They are free on Fridays and available at a nominal charge on weekends, which calls to mind Freddie Mercury's great exclamation.

The New Yorker

After that, investments can be made directly through the company at no fee or for a nominal charge, say, $5 a trade.

The New York Times

There is a nominal charge of €8 for this, but for those who then buy wine – and most do – the fee is waived.

The Guardian - Travel

They do not take money from any restaurant, hotel or motel, except for the nominal charge they make for those "Recommended by Duncan Hines" signs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nominal charge", ensure the context clearly indicates that the amount is indeed small and primarily covers costs rather than generating profit.

Common error

Avoid using "nominal charge" when the fee is significant or intended to generate profit. Use more accurate terms like "fee", "charge", or "price" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nominal charge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or a direct object in a sentence. It indicates a cost that is very low, often barely covering expenses. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nominal charge" is a widely used noun phrase denoting a very small fee, often intended to cover basic costs. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. While simple to use, remember the key is to ensure the context accurately portrays the charge as minimal to avoid misleading the audience. In situations where the charge is anything beyond a minimal expense covering basic costs, it's best to opt for alternatives like "small fee" or more precise terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small fee

Replaces "nominal charge" with simpler, more common terminology.

minimal fee

Emphasizes the extremely low cost, similar to "nominal".

token fee

Suggests the fee is more symbolic than substantial.

modest charge

Implies the charge is reasonable and not excessive.

slight charge

Indicates a very small amount of money is required.

basic charge

Highlights the fundamental cost associated with a service.

reduced rate

Suggests a discount or special pricing arrangement.

standard charge

Indicates the regular and expected cost.

administration fee

Specifies the fee is intended to cover overhead or management costs.

service fee

Implies the charge is for a specific service provided.

FAQs

How do I use "nominal charge" in a sentence?

Use "nominal charge" to describe a very small fee that covers basic costs. For example: "There's a "nominal charge" for using the library's computers."

What's the difference between "nominal charge" and "small fee"?

While similar, "nominal charge" often implies the fee is just enough to cover administrative or basic costs, whereas "small fee" simply indicates the amount is low without necessarily implying the purpose.

What can I say instead of "nominal charge"?

You can use alternatives like "small fee", "minimal fee", or "token fee" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a nominal charge of $100"?

While technically correct, a charge of $100 might not be perceived as "nominal" by everyone. Consider your audience's perspective and whether "small fee" or a more precise term would be more appropriate.