small token of appreciation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'small token of appreciation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used when expressing appreciation or gratitude towards someone. For example, "We sent a small token of appreciation to our team members as a thank you for their hard work this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Those who responded (n = 7) indicated that a small token of appreciation including money, would be appreciated: "Suga, main wan ia nao, hae blad, cancer, kidney problem, heart problem, waet liver problem, hemia nao olgeta main wan we ol man I stap luk mi from".

BMC Public Health

Again, nothing overly expensive if you have had a brief stay; just a small token of appreciation to show that you appreciated their hospitality.

WikiHow

This small token of appreciation made the sailors feel good about New York.

The New York Times

And so the hall of fame, which was created in 1989 and now has about two dozen members, serves as a small token of appreciation.

The New York Times

The country's prime minister, Denzil Douglas, announced the bonus as a "small token" of appreciation for public servants' "loyal and committed service to the people of this country".

The Guardian

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who helped create that deduction, said last year that the deduction represented a "small token of appreciation" for teachers.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

On-The-Spot Recognition Program On-The-Spot Recognitions are 'thank you' cards accompanied by small tokens of appreciation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here in Sea Cliff, the custom is not to give extravagant gifts to the adults involved in our children's lives, but small tokens of appreciation.

The New York Times

As small tokens of appreciation, restaurants and other businesses around the city are offering perks to veterans on Friday, as long as they present a military ID or other proof of service.

The New York Times

Small tokens of appreciation (biscuits and drinks) were handed out to those who completed the questionnaire.

BMC Health Services Research

To acknowledge those who do remember, participants in the present study noted that recognition, even in the form of small tokens of appreciation, such as cups and water bottles with hygiene slogans, served as a positive reinforcement (and most likely a further reminder) to perform hand hygiene.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small token of appreciation" to acknowledge effort without implying a large reward, which can be useful in volunteer or community settings.

Common error

Avoid offering an extravagant or lavish gift when intending a "small token of appreciation". Doing so can create discomfort or raise expectations for future interactions. Keep the gesture modest and appropriate to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small token of appreciation" functions as a noun phrase that acts as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes something given or done to express gratitude, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small token of appreciation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for expressing gratitude in a modest way. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, remember to keep the gesture or gift appropriate to the context and avoid extravagance. Consider alternatives such as "small gesture of appreciation" or "small sign of appreciation" for varied wording. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and holds a neutral to slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little token of appreciation

Adds the adjective "little", emphasizing the modest nature of the gift or gesture.

small sign of appreciation

Replaces "token" with "sign", indicating a less tangible expression of gratitude.

small gesture of appreciation

Substitutes "token" with "gesture", implying an action rather than an object.

small token of gratitude

Replaces "appreciation" with "gratitude", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

small gift of thanks

Replaces "token of appreciation" with a more direct expression of gratitude through a gift.

minor expression of gratitude

Uses "expression" instead of "token", and "gratitude" instead of "appreciation", altering the phrasing while retaining the core meaning.

small thank-you

A simplified and more concise way to express gratitude.

modest acknowledgment

Emphasizes the humility and simplicity of the action of showing appreciation.

nominal reward

Highlights the "reward" component, often used in situations involving surveys or research participation.

small act of kindness

Shifts the focus to the act of being kind as a form of appreciation.

FAQs

How can I use "small token of appreciation" in a sentence?

You can use "small token of appreciation" to describe a modest gift or gesture given to express gratitude. For example, "The company gave employees a "small token of appreciation" for their hard work."

What are some alternatives to "small token of appreciation"?

Alternatives include "small gesture of appreciation", "small sign of appreciation", or simply "small thank-you", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to give a "small token of appreciation" in a professional setting?

Yes, a "small token of appreciation" is often appropriate in professional settings to acknowledge good work, contributions, or special occasions, provided it remains modest and professional.

What's the difference between "small token of appreciation" and "bribe"?

A "small token of appreciation" is given after a service is rendered as a sign of gratitude. A bribe is given beforehand to influence a decision or action, which is unethical and often illegal.