small outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor financial investment or expenditure in a particular context, such as budgeting or project planning. Example: "The project requires a small outlay to get started, making it an attractive option for investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Cablevision structured the deal in a way that requires a relatively small outlay of its own cash and minimizes its exposure to a debt default.

The New York Times

Professional touts who used to concentrate on big-ticket sports events and Barry Manilow concerts have realised that straight theatre can offer them big profits for a relatively small outlay.

The Guardian

However, that is a relatively small outlay from the multimillion budget of a top men's team – it is estimated that a top-flight women's professional team, paying minimum wage, costs about €500,000, while the budget for even the smallest World Tour team is more than €10m.

The Guardian - Sport

It encapsulates skills such as welding, machining, chemical cleaning, and non-destructive testing, and can be carried out following a relatively small outlay on capital equipment.

Heat Pipes Theory, Design and Applications

The companies can, by using this method get a negative or a positive answer to their question for a small outlay: 'Here, please look into this method».

Triple Helix

Training for a marathon requires a relatively small outlay for running shoes, maybe a heart-rate monitor and the costs of entrance fees.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Seemingly small outlays – buying smaller furniture, hiring a van – can stop older people deciding to move.

The Guardian

Although some of the proposals could have been quite costly, even small outlays of public money were often turned back.

The New York Times

For instance, the U.K. act -- which applies to any company that has a U.K. office, employs U.K. citizens or does business with the U.K. -- prohibits the use of "facilitation payments," small outlays to speed such activities as obtaining a permit, unloading cargo or scheduling an inspection.

Huffington Post

Lower fees for students from poor families would mean a smaller outlay for the exchequer.

The Economist

In recent years prices of capital goods have fallen sharply relative to prices of other goods and services, thanks largely to cheaper computers, so companies are able to achieve the desired level of real investment for a smaller outlay.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small outlay" when contrasting it with potential benefits or larger financial figures to highlight its relative insignificance.

Common error

Avoid using "small outlay" when you actually mean a small outcome or result. Outlay refers to the initial investment, not the end result. Instead, use result, return or yield.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small outlay" functions as an adjective-noun phrase, where "small" modifies "outlay." It is used to describe the size or magnitude of a financial investment or expenditure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small outlay" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a relatively minor financial investment or expenditure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered appropriate for use in written English and the contexts with most examples are News & Media, Science and Wiki. While versatile, it is most frequently found in professional, neutral, and formal contexts, particularly in news articles, business documents, and scientific publications. When writing, ensure that you are referring to an initial investment or expense and not confusing it with the outcome. Alternatives such as "minimal investment", "modest expenditure", and "low cost" can be considered for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal investment

Emphasizes the investment aspect, highlighting that the amount invested is very low.

modest expenditure

Focuses on the spending aspect, implying that the amount spent is reasonable and not excessive.

low cost

A more general term emphasizing the inexpensive nature of something.

minor expense

Highlights that the outlay is a small or insignificant cost.

limited expense

Focuses on expenses that have a limitation on spending.

tiny investment

Emphasizes how extremely small the investment actually is.

affordable cost

Focuses on cost that is accessible to potential buyers.

budget-friendly cost

Suggests that is aligned with one's budget.

small price tag

Implies that price is not high.

marginal cost

Suggests only a limited or minimal impact in expenses.

FAQs

What does "small outlay" mean?

The phrase "small outlay" refers to a minor or relatively insignificant financial expenditure or investment. It suggests that the amount of money required for something is not substantial.

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

You can use "small outlay" to describe a project or venture that doesn't require a large initial investment. For example: "Starting a blog requires a "minimal investment" but can yield significant returns over time."

What are some alternatives to saying "small outlay"?

Some alternatives to "small outlay" include "modest expenditure", "minimal investment", "low cost", or "minor expense". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "small outlay of funds"?

Yes, "small outlay of funds" is grammatically correct and adds specificity. It clarifies that the "small outlay" refers to a financial expenditure. However, "small outlay" is generally sufficient on its own.