tidy sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tidy sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or substantial amount of money, often in a positive context. Example: "After selling the old car, I made a tidy sum that I could use for my vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Darwin also picked up a tidy sum.

The Guardian - Sport

"It can add up to a tidy sum," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Many a tidy sum was made on that premise.

The New Yorker

It would have made him a tidy sum.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You might think you've got your money back; in fact, you have lost a tidy sum.

The Economist

They may like to know who or what is to blame for wasting this tidy sum.

The Economist

If that were the sum of the value volunteering creates, it would be a tidy sum.

Independent

A smart assessor, with good judgment and a quick eye, could make a tidy sum.

The Guardian

My father left me $30,000 -- a tidy sum back then.

The New York Times

Especially if they have, as some football fans do, a tidy sum riding on the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

I have made a tidy sum of money selling what others discard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tidy sum", consider the audience and context. It is generally appropriate for news articles, financial reports, and informal communication. In highly formal or technical documents, more precise language might be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "tidy sum" to describe truly massive or astronomical figures. While subjective, the term implies a notable but not extraordinary amount. For extremely large sums, consider using terms like "substantial fortune" or specifying the exact monetary value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tidy sum" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a specific amount of money. As Ludwig AI states, it can refer to a significant amount, often in a positive context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tidy sum" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe a significant amount of money, often with a positive connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys that a financial amount is both substantial and pleasing. While versatile, it's best reserved for amounts that are notable but not exceedingly large. Alternatives such as "substantial amount" or "considerable sum" offer similar meanings. Understanding these nuances will help you use "tidy sum" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial amount

Replaces "tidy" with "substantial", emphasizing the significant size of the sum.

considerable sum

Uses "considerable" instead of "tidy", highlighting the noteworthy size of the amount.

significant amount of money

More explicit, replacing "sum" with "amount of money" and "tidy" with "significant."

handsome profit

Focuses on the outcome of a transaction being profitable, using "handsome" to imply a substantial gain.

respectable sum

Highlights that the amount is worthy of esteem or regard.

healthy return

Emphasizes the beneficial financial outcome, specifically in the context of investments.

nice little earner

An informal British English alternative, implying a steady and pleasing income.

worthwhile amount

Stresses that the amount is valuable and makes the effort worthwhile.

reasonable fortune

Indicates that the amount is large enough to be considered a small fortune, but not excessively so.

goodly amount

Uses the archaic "goodly" to describe a large and pleasing quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "tidy sum" in a sentence?

You can use "tidy sum" to describe a significant amount of money earned, saved, or received. For example, "She made a "tidy sum" from her investments last year" or "The company sold for a "tidy sum"".

What can I say instead of "tidy sum"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial amount", "considerable sum", or "significant amount of money" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tidy sum" or "tidy amount"?

"Tidy sum" is the more common and idiomatic expression when referring to money. While "tidy amount" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less frequently used in financial contexts. If you want to emphasize the money context you can use alternatives as "significant amount of money".

What's the difference between "tidy sum" and "windfall"?

While both refer to money, a ""tidy sum"" implies a decent but not necessarily unexpected amount. A "windfall", on the other hand, refers to a sudden and unexpected gain or profit.