small savings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small savings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a modest amount of money that has been saved or set aside, often in the context of personal finance or budgeting. Example: "By cutting back on unnecessary expenses, I was able to accumulate some small savings over the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He'd accumulated some small savings.

The New York Times

The Post Office offered small savings accounts to individual Americans.

The New York Times

The goal is to spur the building of efficient models and systems for small savings accounts.

The New York Times

They drew up a household budget with CAP, and this included a small savings plan.

Independent

The small savings scheme, run entirely by women, helps develop preparedness for maintaining an establishment.

The Guardian

Preserving your small savings will be enormously beneficial to you both.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've become a burden to my family.' " His small savings ran out quickly.

The New York Times

They are particularly onerous for the poor, since the charges eat up a higher percentage of small savings.

The Economist

In Germany small savings banks are also at risk because they offer fixed-rate loans while taking variable-rate deposits.

The Economist

The bail-out on March 29th of a small savings bank, Caja Castilla La Mancha, could change that perception.

The Economist

The idea is that outsiders can find thousands of small savings and inefficient processes that insiders may miss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business or economic contexts, use the phrase to refer to incremental cost reductions or efficiency gains that contribute to overall profitability.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "small savings" in situations where substantial financial gains or long-term financial security are needed. Be realistic about their contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small savings" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "savings". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, referring to a modest accumulation of money or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small savings" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe modest amounts of money or resources accumulated over time. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While "small savings" indicates a modest sum, its importance lies in the concept of consistent accumulation. In writing, while it is valid to present "small savings", avoid overstating their impact in contexts requiring substantial financial resources. Semantically related phrases include "modest savings" and "minor savings", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest savings

Replaces "small" with "modest", indicating a similar level of insignificance in the amount saved.

minor savings

Uses "minor" instead of "small", suggesting a slight reduction in expenses or an accumulation of a limited amount.

limited savings

Emphasizes the constrained or restricted nature of the savings.

tiny savings

Highlights the very diminutive size of the savings.

meager savings

Suggests that the savings are deficient or inadequate.

insignificant savings

Focuses on the lack of importance or consequence of the savings amount.

slight savings

Implies a minimal or barely noticeable amount of savings.

nominal savings

Indicates savings that are so small they are almost not worth considering.

petty savings

Conveys that the savings are trivial or of little consequence.

minimal savings

Emphasizes the extremely low or bare minimum level of savings achieved.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "small savings" in a sentence?

You can use "small savings" to describe modest amounts of money saved, such as: "Even "small savings" can add up over time if you are consistent."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "small savings"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "modest savings", "minor savings", or "limited savings".

Is it grammatically correct to say "small savings"?

Yes, the phrase "small savings" is grammatically correct. "Small" is an adjective describing the noun "savings".

How do "small savings" contribute to financial goals?

"Small savings" can incrementally build towards larger financial goals. Regular, consistent saving, even in "small amounts", can create a substantial sum over time.