some spare change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some spare change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to small amounts of money, often coins, that one might give to someone in need or use for minor purchases. Example: "I reached into my pocket and found some spare change to donate to the homeless man on the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Maybe Meyer can donate some spare change.

The New York Times

How would you react if a homeless person handed you some spare change?

Independent

He was among the many who gave money — some spare change but mostly dollar bills.

The New York Times

"I think donors still have some spare change in their pockets".

The New York Times

Rupert Murdoch is apparently a regular visitor too – surely he's got some spare change?

The Guardian - Arts

Services such as Google's AdSense, which places text advertisements on blogs and generates a few cents per mouse click, might bring in some spare change.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Well, unsurprisingly it's much cheaper, leaving you with some major spare change to hire an architect and build that dream house.

Vice

But where some see annoying spare change, others see beauty.

The New York Times - Style

Need some food or spare change?

HuffPost

Got any spare change?

The New York Times - Books

"Spare change?" someone might ask.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some spare change" in writing, consider your audience and the overall tone. While it's generally acceptable, in formal contexts, consider using more specific terms like "small donation" or "minor contribution".

Common error

Avoid using "some spare change" when discussing significant sums of money. This phrase implies a small, insignificant amount and would be inappropriate for larger financial discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some spare change" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a small, often insignificant, amount of money. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some spare change" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase referring to small amounts of money, often coins. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. While versatile, its use is best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with its primary function being to describe a trivial amount of money or request a small donation. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase carries a connotation of insignificance and should be avoided when discussing larger financial matters. When a more elevated phrasing is needed, consider utilizing alternatives such as "small donation" or "minor contribution".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loose change

Refers to coins readily available.

small change

Indicates a minimal amount of money.

extra coins

Highlights the coin aspect, suggesting they are additional.

pocket money

Implies a small allowance or readily available funds.

a few pennies

Specifies a very small denomination of currency.

a bit of cash

More general, refers to a small quantity of money.

any extra money

Asks for any additional funds one might have.

small donation

Framing it as a charitable contribution.

financial aid

Formal term for assistance, usually in small amounts.

a little something

Vague but suggests a small gift of money.

FAQs

How can I use "some spare change" in a sentence?

"Some spare change" is typically used when referring to a small amount of money, often coins, that someone has available. Example: "I used "some spare change" to buy a coffee."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "some spare change"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "loose change", "small change", or "a few coins".

Is it appropriate to ask for "some spare change" in formal situations?

In formal settings, it's usually better to use more polite and specific language. Instead of asking for "some spare change", you might ask for a "small donation" or "contribution".

What is the difference between "some spare change" and "pocket money"?

"Some spare change" refers to coins or small amounts of money that you might have on hand. "Pocket money", on the other hand, usually refers to a regular allowance given to children or teenagers.