token payment

USAGE SUMMARY

"token payment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a small or symbolic amount of money that is given as a payment for something, often in order to show good faith or as a gesture of appreciation. Example: I couldn't afford to pay the full rent this month, so I gave my landlord a token payment of $50 to show that I am making an effort to pay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

One day someone who owed $300 settled the debt with a token payment and 350 hubcaps.

The New Yorker

Instead, Garnett will be offering his creditors a token payment of £1 a month.

The Guardian - Money

The agency accepted a mere token payment that will not even come out of the individual's own pocket.

The New York Times

Schools also now have the option to donate the token payment to World Vision – a worldwide charity.

The Guardian

Handling an exact-change or token payment costs the parkway 2.5 cents, but an E-ZPass transaction costs 4.3 cents.

The New York Times

Except for a token payment of about 4 cents on the dollar approved by the court earlier this summer, those payments had been held up by the dispute.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But they did acknowledge making token payments.

The New York Times

Some borrowers may get big sums while others get nothing, or millions could receive token payments.

The New York Times

Under the proposal, companies would make only token payments for the first two years.

The New York Times

Because the settlements were a joke: the companies got away with only token payments.

The New York Times

The Rock Corps scheme has proved the value of what might be termed, under that UN volunteering definition, token payments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "token payment" when you want to emphasize the symbolic or insubstantial nature of the payment, particularly when settling a debt or fulfilling an obligation partially.

Common error

Avoid using "token payment" when a substantial or full payment is expected. It implies a minimal effort, and using it inappropriately can lead to misunderstandings or offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "token payment" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a payment that is small and often symbolic, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "token payment" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a small, often symbolic, payment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of indicating a minimal effort to fulfill an obligation or acknowledge a debt, and alternatives such as "nominal payment" or "symbolic payment" can be used to convey similar meanings. However, it's crucial to use "token payment" appropriately, avoiding situations where a substantial payment is expected, as it can be perceived as inadequate or even offensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nominal payment

Emphasizes that the payment is very small and not representative of the actual value.

symbolic payment

Highlights the payment's role as a gesture rather than a substantial transaction.

small remittance

Indicates a transfer of a small sum of money.

minimal compensation

Focuses on the inadequacy of the payment in fully covering the incurred costs or damages.

modest contribution

Suggests that the payment is a small part of a larger whole.

gratuitous payment

Highlights that the payment is made out of courtesy or kindness.

insignificant fee

Highlights the low cost for a service, not being an imposition.

minor disbursement

Focuses on the small amount of money being distributed or paid out.

gesture of goodwill

Emphasizes that the payment is intended as a friendly gesture to show positive intentions.

reduced payment

The payment has been lowered from what it normally would be.

FAQs

What does "token payment" mean?

A "token payment" refers to a very small amount of money paid, often as a symbolic gesture or partial fulfillment of an obligation. It signifies an intent to pay or acknowledge a debt without fully settling it.

When is it appropriate to offer a token payment?

It's appropriate when you cannot fulfill the full payment amount but want to demonstrate good faith. This is common in debt settlements or when negotiating terms with creditors. However, its acceptance depends on the recipient's willingness to consider it.

What are some alternatives to "token payment"?

Alternatives include "nominal payment", "symbolic payment", or "small remittance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How does a token payment differ from a partial payment?

A partial payment is a portion of the total amount due, while a "token payment" is significantly smaller and primarily symbolic. A partial payment intends to reduce the outstanding balance substantially, whereas a "token payment" may not significantly impact the balance.