spent a large sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spent a large sum" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial expenditures, particularly when emphasizing the amount spent. Example: "After careful consideration, we spent a large sum on upgrading our office equipment to improve productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Another bomber had just spent a large sum to repair his car.

The New York Times

Marston's could have closed the site but instead has spent a large sum getting it going again.

Independent

Perhaps one of your children resents the fact that you spent a large sum of money educating one of his/her siblings.

University of California, Berkeley

Senator Kerry argued that it was only fair that there be "some adjustment for day-to-day expenses of running an office". As an example, he told his colleagues that his campaign had spent a large sum on computer lists of his constituents and that he did not think this should count toward a campaign spending limit.

The New York Times

If that happens, they've spent a large sum and received a very small sum in return.

Forbes

The US government, despite the founder's brazen attitude, and the anger caused by Hacking Team's work with the likes of Sudan and Bahrain, has spent a large sum on the technology in its bid to track criminals and foreign threats.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There, they were a priority act for Emperor Norton, which had promised to spend a large sum on the group.

The Guardian - Music

The writer's children read in the New York times about a Texas tycoon who spends a large sum of money to produce a movie in which his 9 year old daughter plays the piano.

The New Yorker

But if a superPAC spends a large sum in support of a candidate — or a candidate makes a large contribution to her own campaign — that money may not go far if the candidate is otherwise having a difficult time persuading voters of her merits.

The New York Times

By S. J. Perelman The New Yorker, June 30 , 1951P. 20 The writer's children read in the New York times about a Texas tycoon who spends a large sum of money to produce a movie in which his 9 year old daughter plays the piano.

The New Yorker

The clients are spending a large sum of money just to trek up our route, mainly so they can go back home and boast about it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spent a large sum" when you want to emphasize the significant financial investment made, rather than just a general expense.

Common error

Avoid using "spent a large sum" in very casual conversations; alternatives like "shelled out a lot" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "spent a large sum" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of spending a significant amount of money. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spent a large sum" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a significant financial expenditure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While not extremely common, it's appropriate for conveying information about substantial spending. When writing, consider whether the context is formal or informal and choose alternative expressions if necessary. Remember to focus on significant financial investments and it might be better to use alternatives such as "invested significantly", especially if there is an expectation of a future return.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invested significantly

Emphasizes investment rather than general spending; suggests an expectation of return.

made a sizable investment

Highlights the investment aspect and the considerable size of it.

expended substantial funds

More formal and emphasizes the official allocation of money.

outlaid a large amount of capital

Focuses on capital expenditure, suitable for business contexts.

laid out a considerable amount

More informal, highlighting the act of distributing money.

poured money into

Implies investing heavily in something, often continuously.

shelled out a fortune

Very informal, emphasizing the large amount and often with a sense of reluctance.

allocated significant resources

Focuses on resource allocation, not just monetary spending.

paid a hefty price

Emphasizes the cost and often implies it was expensive or worthwhile.

dropped a bundle

Informal, emphasizes sudden and significant spending.

FAQs

How can I use "spent a large sum" in a sentence?

You can use "spent a large sum" to describe a significant financial expenditure, such as "The company "spent a large sum" on research and development this year".

What are some alternatives to "spent a large sum"?

Alternatives include "invested significantly", "expended substantial funds", or "laid out a considerable amount", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "spent a large sum of money"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "spent a large sum of money" is more explicit, but "spent a large sum" is also acceptable and commonly used.

What is the difference between "spent a large sum" and "invested a large sum"?

"Spent a large sum" implies an expenditure, while "invested a large sum" suggests the expectation of a future return or benefit. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intent of the financial action.