small bonus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small bonus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor or modest additional payment or reward, often in a work or financial context. Example: "As a token of appreciation for your hard work, we are pleased to offer you a small bonus this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Give that man a small bonus, a carriage clock perhaps – but not yet.

The Guardian - Business

And as a small bonus, Schedulicity provides Ms. Taylor with a little nighttime music.

The New York Times

But view it in tandem with other proposed gambits, including a small bonus pool for principals.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan agreed to give hospitals small bonus payments for participating in Pronovost's program.

The New Yorker

As no small bonus, the excellent harpsichordist Bradley Brookshire, the group's associate conductor, ends the concert with Bach's "Italian Concerto".

The New York Times

Another broker responded via Bloomberg that the person was "ok with an annual champagne shipment," and "a small bonus every now and then".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

CEBS replies that the idea is not to force deferral of small bonuses.

The Guardian - Business

Meanwhile, those staff members willing to accept their base salary, and the small bonuses that minor insider-trading cases produce, would continue to plod along, keeping traders honest and watching out for small investors.

The New York Times - Magazine

But on the other hand, there's a worry that bad habits could return … I think small bonuses are perhaps a good idea but big bonuses are potentially very dangerous if they encourage people to take excessive risks".

The Guardian - Business

He has pressed the case that Kerviel is a liar, someone with defective moral character and an undistinguished education, who simmered with resentment over his comparatively small bonuses and failure to advance more rapidly.

The New Yorker

Three bright days a year come when families receive small bonuses from the tribe, thanks to one coal mine that operates on the reservation, to buy presents for Christmas and beads and tepee canvas for the tribe's annual powwow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small bonus", ensure the context clearly indicates what the bonus is in addition to (e.g., salary, benefits) and why it's being offered (e.g., performance, special project). This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "small bonus" in situations where the reward is actually significant. Inflating the description can lead to disappointment or mistrust. Be accurate and honest about the size and impact of the bonus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small bonus" functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' modifies the noun 'bonus'. It describes the size or amount of the bonus, indicating that it is not substantial. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small bonus" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a modest additional payment or reward. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is accurate and suitable for use in writing. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and formal/business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants a description of modest compensation, and avoid exaggerating its impact. Alternatives like "modest incentive" or "minor perk" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest incentive

Replaces 'bonus' with 'incentive', suggesting a motivating factor that is not necessarily monetary but still moderate in value.

minor perk

Uses 'perk' instead of 'bonus', indicating a non-essential advantage or benefit of limited value.

tiny reward

Emphasizes the insignificance of the 'bonus' by using the adjective 'tiny' instead of 'small'.

slight compensation

Substitutes 'bonus' with 'compensation', which implies payment for services but in a small amount.

nominal gratuity

Indicates a token amount of money given as a thank you, highlighting its symbolic rather than substantial value.

limited premium

Uses 'premium' as an extra incentive, emphasizing that it is capped or not very generous.

humble addition

Replaces 'bonus' with 'addition' framing it as a modest supplement to a base amount.

meager extra

Highlights the scantiness of the 'bonus' by describing it as a 'meager extra'.

token increment

Uses 'increment' to express an increase, but qualifies it as a 'token' gesture, suggesting minimal impact.

negligible surplus

Indicates that the 'bonus' is an almost unnoticeable amount, emphasizing its insignificance.

FAQs

How can I use "small bonus" in a sentence?

You can use "small bonus" to describe a modest additional payment or benefit. For example, "The company offered a "small bonus" to employees who completed the training program early."

What are some alternatives to saying "small bonus"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "modest incentive", "minor perk", or "tiny reward".

What is the difference between "small bonus" and "large bonus"?

"Small bonus" refers to a modest additional payment, while "large bonus" indicates a significant or substantial extra payment. The key difference lies in the amount and perceived value of the bonus.

Is it appropriate to offer a "small bonus" to all employees?

Offering a "small bonus" to all employees can be a good way to boost morale and show appreciation, especially if the company has had a successful period. However, it's important to ensure the bonus is affordable and sustainable for the company's finances.