token amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "token amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or symbolic quantity of something, often in contexts like finance or transactions. Example: "To secure your reservation, we require a token amount as a deposit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Nepalese government spends a token amount (0.08%) of its total healthcare budget on mental health.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The developer," he said, "has just paid a token amount, enough for rice, since January".

The New York Times

He was offered a token amount, a few thousand dollars, and he turned it down".

The New York Times

Most important, that means slashing subsidies by more than a token amount.

The Economist

All this helps explain why Moscow has so far been reluctant to reduce exports by more than a token amount.

The New York Times

"This is a token amount of money that doesn't really reflect the value of the project," he said.

The New York Times

The writers were paid about $20, and most of the editors worked free or for a token amount.

The New York Times - Arts

It would have been much easier had he arranged to have just a small, token amount of soil delivered.

Independent

A rematch is possible in that race, although Ms. McSally raised only a token amount in the first quarter.

The New York Times

While the state did extract some restitution for victims, critics say it is only a token amount of Delta's $1 billion-a-year billion-a-year billion-a-year

The New York Times

Wild-Eyed & Wicked's owners, Joe and Sally Jackson of Overland Park, Kan., had insured him, but only for a token amount, the Lopezes said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "token amount" when you want to emphasize that the quantity is small and often symbolic rather than substantial. It's useful in contexts where the gesture or principle is more important than the actual value.

Common error

Don't use "token amount" when the quantity is genuinely significant or impactful. This can mislead your audience and undermine the importance of the amount being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "token amount" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show its use in describing small sums of money, quantities of goods, or symbolic gestures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "token amount" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a small, often symbolic quantity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's frequently used in news and business contexts to downplay the material significance of an amount, emphasizing its representative value. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to indicate that the gesture or principle is more important than the numerical value itself. While highly versatile it can be misleading if the sum it applies to is of significant importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nominal sum

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount in monetary terms.

trivial sum

Indicates the amount is so small that it's not worth considering.

modest payment

Specifically refers to a payment that is not large or extravagant.

negligible quantity

Stresses the almost nonexistent nature of the amount.

insignificant portion

Highlights that the amount is a small part of the whole.

minimal contribution

Focuses on the act of contributing, but with the understanding that the contribution is very small.

limited quantity

Focuses on the restriction or scarcity of the amount available.

small offering

Implies a voluntary act of providing a small amount.

mere pittance

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the amount, suggesting it is barely sufficient.

symbolic gesture

Highlights the representative or indicative nature of the action, rather than the quantity itself.

FAQs

How can I use "token amount" in a sentence?

You can use "token amount" to describe a small or symbolic quantity of something. For example, "The company offered a "token amount" as compensation for the damages".

What are some synonyms for "token amount"?

Synonyms for "token amount" include "nominal sum", "minimal contribution", and "negligible quantity". Each carries a slightly different connotation but conveys the idea of a small or insignificant quantity.

Is it appropriate to use "token amount" in formal writing?

Yes, "token amount" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business and legal contexts. However, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey; alternatives like "nominal sum" may be more suitable depending on the context.

What's the difference between "token amount" and "substantial amount"?

"Token amount" refers to a small, often symbolic quantity, while "substantial amount" indicates a significant or considerable quantity. They are antonyms representing opposite ends of the quantity spectrum.