princely sum

USAGE SUMMARY

'princely sum' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large, generous or impressive amount of money. For example, "The family had saved a princely sum to purchase their dream home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's certainly not a princely sum.

The Guardian - Business

Apple-core justice is priced at a princely sum.

The Guardian - Opinion

He gave me the princely sum of $2 million to make it work.

Harvard Business Review

To many people in many places, it is a princely sum to live on.

The New York Times

His first contract was with Canterbury for the princely sum of zero dollars.

The Guardian - Sport

For 52 reports a year he is asking for the princely sum of £104.

The Guardian - Travel

Just what's heaped around our feet at the threshold of the chamber is a princely sum.

The New Yorker

All this will cost an as yet unspecified but princely sum.

The Guardian - Music

The building was dilapidated and selling for the princely sum of $565,000.

The New York Times

Recently she sold Baraka for the princely sum of 38,000 Kenyan shillings, or about $450.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is the far-from-princely sum of £7,700 a year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "princely sum" can sometimes imply that the amount is excessive or extravagant, so ensure it fits the tone of your piece.

Common error

Avoid using "princely sum" in very technical or modern financial contexts, as it can sound anachronistic. Opt for more neutral terms like "substantial investment" or "significant capital" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "princely sum" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or complement. It describes a large amount of money, often with an implication of grandeur or impressiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples where the phrase modifies nouns related to cost, value, or compensation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "princely sum" is a noun phrase used to describe a large and impressive amount of money. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It carries a slightly formal tone and is often used to emphasize the significance or extravagance of a monetary value. While "princely sum" is common, it's wise to consider the context and potential for sounding anachronistic in highly modern settings. Alternatives like "substantial amount" or "significant sum" may be more appropriate in those cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant sum

Highlights the importance of the amount, rather than its impressiveness.

large sum of money

A more direct and less figurative way to express a similar idea.

substantial amount

Focuses on the size of the sum, without necessarily implying extravagance.

good deal of money

A more colloquial way of saying a similar thing, suitable for informal contexts.

hefty sum

Suggests the amount is notably large and possibly burdensome or impressive.

considerable fortune

Emphasizes the wealth implied by the amount, suggesting affluence.

king's ransom

Implies an exorbitant amount, possibly used for a specific purpose like a ransom.

generous amount

Highlights the giving or beneficial nature of the sum, rather than its size alone.

valuable asset

Focuses on the worth and utility of the sum, rather than just its monetary value.

treasure trove

Implies a collection of valuable items or money, often hidden or unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "princely sum" in a sentence?

You can use "princely sum" to describe a large or impressive amount of money. For example, "The antique car sold at auction for the "princely sum" of $1 million".

What are some alternatives to "princely sum"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial amount", "significant sum", or "considerable fortune" depending on the context.

Is "princely sum" a formal or informal expression?

"Princely sum" is a slightly formal and somewhat old-fashioned expression. It's suitable for adding color to your writing but might not be appropriate in very technical or modern contexts.

What does it mean when something costs a "princely sum"?

When something costs a ""princely sum"", it means it is very expensive or costs a large amount of money, often more than expected.