nominal fee

USAGE SUMMARY

"nominal fee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or token charge, usually for something like a service fee. For example, "We only charge a nominal fee for our delivery service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The musicians receive a nominal fee.

The New York Times

Nominal fee for update (ten-per-cent tithe).

The New Yorker

Practitioners usually charge their patients a nominal fee.

Britannica

"I wouldn't have any problem with" a nominal fee.

The Washington Post

Docent-led tours can be scheduled for a nominal fee.

University of California, Berkeley

Even the company itself describes the charge as "a nominal fee".

The Guardian - Tech

Step 3: For a nominal fee, you can obtain a catalog subscription.

The New York Times

• Cisco has paid the everyday people what it calls a nominal fee for their efforts.

The New York Times - Tech

Contributors to The Vines and other self-publishing sites are paid a nominal fee.

The New York Times - Tech

"You can continue to enjoy the service for a nominal fee.

The Guardian - Tech

Zoomandgo.com, which pays users a nominal fee for relevant photos, says it vets every submission.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fee as a "nominal fee", ensure the context clearly indicates that the amount is very small relative to the value or service provided. This clarifies that the intention is not to profit significantly, but rather to cover basic costs or maintain accessibility.

Common error

Avoid using "nominal fee" when the fee is actually substantial. This misrepresentation can mislead users and create distrust. Always ensure the term accurately reflects the small size of the charge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nominal fee" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a compound noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it typically serves to describe a cost or charge that is very small or minimal in relation to the value or service provided. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where a minimal payment is involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nominal fee" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression referring to a small or symbolic charge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate that the cost is minimal relative to the value or service. It appears frequently in news, academic, and formal business contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it regularly. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the fee genuinely reflects a small amount to avoid misleading users. Alternatives like "small fee" or "minimal fee" can be used interchangeably depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small fee

Refers to a charge that is low in amount.

minimal fee

Indicates a fee that is the least possible.

token fee

Suggests a symbolic payment, often very small.

symbolic fee

Implies the fee is more representative than substantial.

modest fee

Describes a fee that is not excessive or pretentious.

negligible fee

Highlights that the fee is so small it's hardly worth considering.

insignificant fee

Emphasizes the fee's lack of importance due to its small size.

reduced fee

Implies that the fee has been lowered from a standard price.

slight charge

Indicates a small amount of money required.

basic charge

A fundamental or standard charge, typically low.

FAQs

What does "nominal fee" mean?

A "nominal fee" refers to a very small or symbolic charge, typically intended to cover basic costs rather than generate significant profit.

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

You can use "nominal fee" to describe a small charge for a service. For example, "We charge a "nominal fee" for processing payments online."

What are some alternatives to "nominal fee"?

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

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

Yes, "nominal fee" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to describe a charge that is very small and not intended for profit.