small fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a relatively small amount of money that is spent or acquired, usually unexpectedly. For example, "I never expected to win a small fortune playing the lottery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Would it cost a small fortune?

The New York Times - Food

"Heck, I've made a small fortune myself".

The New York Times

A small fortune was certain to come.

The New York Times - Sports

(A very small fortune, by his standards).

The New York Times

He found himself with a small fortune.

The Guardian - Tech

In addition, I was making a small fortune.

The New Yorker

His first play, "On Trial", made him a small fortune.

The New Yorker

Most significantly, he made a small fortune by selling art.

The New Yorker

We certainly didn't want to spend a small fortune.

The New York Times - Travel

Today a hectare of barbaresco is worth a small fortune.

The Guardian - Travel

For that, they cost just a small fortune.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context to gauge the right nuance to convey. Is it about spending, earning, saving, or losing money? Each context slightly affects the connotation of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "small fortune" to describe truly substantial wealth. The phrase works best when the amount is notable but not life-changing. If the amount is really big, use "large fortune" or "windfall" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small fortune" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as an object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a significant but not exorbitant amount of money.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small fortune" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a notable, but not extremely large, sum of money. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "small fortune", it's important to consider the context and avoid overstating the value being described, as the goal is to convey a sense of a significant but manageable amount. Related phrases like "modest sum" or "tidy profit" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances. Overall, "small fortune" is a versatile phrase for describing financial matters in a relatable way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest sum

Emphasizes the limited size of the amount involved.

little money

Highlights the scarcity of funds.

tidy profit

Suggests a reasonable and satisfactory gain.

fair amount

Indicates a respectable, though not large, quantity of money.

minor wealth

Focuses on the limited scale of affluence.

reasonable income

Highlights the adequacy of earnings.

small inheritance

Specific to inherited assets of a limited value.

comfortable earnings

Suggests financial security without extravagance.

slight advantage

Implies a minimal financial benefit or gain.

limited funds

Highlights the restricted financial resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "small fortune" to describe spending, earning, or costing a notable but not exorbitant amount of money. For example, "I spent a "small fortune" on this car", or "He made a "small fortune" selling his old comics".

What's a good alternative to "small fortune"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "modest sum", "tidy profit", or "fair amount". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small fortune" in formal writing?

While "small fortune" isn't strictly informal, it's generally better suited for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise terms like "significant sum" or "substantial amount" depending on the context and specific amount involved.

How does the meaning of "small fortune" differ from "large fortune"?

"Small fortune" refers to a noticeable but relatively modest amount of money, while "large fortune" indicates substantial wealth. The key difference lies in the scale and impact of the financial sum being described.