small donation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small donation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a modest amount of money given to support a cause, organization, or individual. Example: "Every small donation helps us reach our fundraising goal and make a difference in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I have worked for and donated money to many politicians over my lifetime but giving a small donation to Eric's campaign felt different.

Huffington Post

Small donation".

The New York Times

It is free, but a small donation is customary.

The New York Times - Travel

Once they reach the online checkout, an option to make a small donation pops up.

The Guardian

You can pick up a gently used book for a small donation.

The New York Times

But as a guide for someone with a small donation to make, it is humane indeed.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can dump coats, cases, picnic baskets and purchases for the price of a small donation.

Independent

"Come on, somebody," he said, "come on, some good person, make a small donation".

The New York Times

Inside is the city's municipal museum, which can be visited daily during normal business hours, also for a small donation.

The New York Times - Travel

The sessions cost £10, which includes the cost of non-irritant body paints and a small donation to the charity.

The Guardian - Travel

"We hope our small donation through the fund will make a difference in someone else's life here".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for support, use "small donation" to encourage people to contribute without feeling pressured to give large sums.

Common error

Avoid undermining the value of a "small donation" by implying it's insignificant. Emphasize that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small donation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "small" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "donation". Ludwig examples show it's used to describe the size or amount of a contribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small donation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a modest contribution, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to discuss charitable giving and fundraising efforts. While always be mindful of the contexts when it comes to using this phrase as even small donations are impactful. When asking for funds, using "small donation" can also encourage more people to give. The related phrases, like "modest contribution" and "minor gift", offer alternative ways to convey the same meaning with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small contribution

A slightly more formal version, emphasizing the act of giving.

slight donation

Indicates a very small and almost negligible donation.

modest contribution

Replaces "donation" with "contribution", implying a less formal offering.

minor gift

Substitutes "donation" with "gift", suggesting a charitable offering.

limited donation

Highlights the restrictive aspect of the donation's size.

token sum

Emphasizes the symbolic, rather than monetary, value of the donation.

minimal contribution

Emphasizes that the offering is the lowest acceptable.

humble offering

Highlights the giver's humility and the modest nature of the donation.

nominal amount

Focuses on the small and insignificant monetary value.

petty gift

Underlines the insignificance of the gift, possibly with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Even a "small donation" can help us achieve our goal of providing meals for those in need".

What phrases are similar to "small donation"?

Alternatives include "modest contribution", "minor gift", or "token sum", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small donation" or "modest donation"?

Both "small donation" and "modest donation" are appropriate. "Modest" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice depends on your audience and the overall tone.

Can a "small donation" really make a difference?

Yes, even a "small donation" can have a significant impact, especially when combined with other contributions. Many organizations rely on collective small donations to fund their activities.