small salary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small salary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a salary that is low or not enough for a person to live on comfortably. For example, "Many people in low-income jobs are stuck receiving a small salary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I have a very small salary," he says.

The Guardian

"I had a small salary and lived in a dormitory," she said.

The New York Times

Tanesha is a single mother raising four children on a small salary.

The New York Times

Ernest was a mediocre professor in a mediocre university, earning a small salary.

The New Yorker

The sport was not yet fully professionalized: French players weren't paid, although foreigners were allowed a small salary as enticement.

The New Yorker

Neither earned any money while working – booze and an initially small salary blamed – but both recommended the experience.

Independent

Because he was denied federal disability assistance, the Gieses and their three children make do on Mrs. Gies's small salary.

The New York Times

"She was nice and funny, always smiling, always well dressed despite her small salary, and somewhat coquettish".

The Guardian

They rely on donations, and the women get a small salary, "but it is hardly sufficient," Nuha said.

The New Yorker

He will receive a relatively small salary, he said, in keeping with what other Yahoo executives earn.

The New York Times

He is still homeless -- "I have a little camp in a secret locale" -- but now draws a small salary from the union, as does Mr. Jackson.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "small salary" with additional context to highlight its impact, such as "a small salary and high living expenses" to emphasize financial strain.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "small salary" equates to insignificant work or contribution. Ensure your writing respects the value of labor, regardless of compensation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small salary" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "salary". It describes the size or amount of someone's earnings. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is perfectly acceptable in written English and used across many reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small salary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a limited income. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable and common in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies "salary", and serves to highlight potential financial difficulties. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to ensure context doesn't inadvertently devalue the work associated with that salary. Its high occurrence in media illustrates its relevance to discussions on economic realities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low wage

Replaces 'salary' with 'wage', which often implies hourly compensation, but retains the idea of low income.

meager income

Uses 'meager' to emphasize the insufficiency of the income.

modest earnings

Substitutes both words to create a more formal tone, suggesting humility in the income amount.

limited pay

Highlights the restriction in compensation.

insufficient compensation

Formally states the inadequacy of the payment received.

reduced income

Focuses on the fact that the income is smaller than ideal.

paltry remuneration

Emphasizes the insignificance of the payment in a somewhat archaic manner.

minimal wage

Directly states the wage is at the lowest acceptable level.

tight budget

Implies the income restricts spending capability.

low income bracket

Indicates placement within a defined income category that is at the lower end.

FAQs

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

You can use "small salary" to describe a situation where someone's income is limited. For example, "Despite working long hours, she still struggles to make ends meet on her "small salary"."

What are some alternatives to "small salary"?

Alternatives to "small salary" include "low wage", "meager income", or "modest earnings". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

Yes, "small salary" is generally appropriate for formal writing. However, in some professional contexts, you might prefer more precise terms like "insufficient compensation" or "low income bracket".

What implications does having a "small salary" often suggest?

Having a "small salary" often implies financial constraints, difficulty in saving, and potential reliance on additional support or assistance to cover basic needs.