a minimal amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity or degree of something, often in contexts where the quantity is significant in relation to the overall situation. Example: "The project requires a minimal amount of resources to get started, making it cost-effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A minimal amount of cartilage is needed.

The New York Times - Science

We need a minimal amount of time.

The New York Times

Retitled Cage, this version contains a minimal amount of text.

The Guardian

26 letters, 26 dishes, a minimal amount of cheating, and I'm done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In a minimal amount of minutes, he gets a maximum amount of production".

The New York Times - Sports

But a minimal amount of vetting should have clued the teams into Allianz's past.

The New York Times - Sports

We just buy well, prepare with care, and cook with a minimal amount of intrusion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(JP Morgan owns a minimal amount of Detroit's debt, so the payoff wouldn't be just financial).

The Guardian - Opinion

Officials presented a minimal amount of evidence, lacking the full details of the traders' misconduct.

The Guardian - Business

3.02pm BST Hamilton does a minimal amount of champers spraying, nowhere near the direction of Rosberg.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought we went through it with a minimal amount of injuries.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, quantify "a minimal amount of" with specific units or percentages if possible. For example, "a minimal amount of 5%".

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal amount of" when the quantity is actually significant or noticeable. Ensure the term accurately reflects the small or negligible quantity being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small quantity or degree. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to specify a reduced or necessary quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimal amount of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small quantity or degree of something. Ludwig examples showcase its prevalence in news, science, and general writing, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, as validated by Ludwig AI, making it a reliable choice for expressing small quantities. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended small quantity to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and uses "negligible" to emphasize the insignificance.

a small quantity of

Substitutes "minimal amount" with a more general expression of small quantity.

a slight degree of

Focuses on the degree or extent being small rather than the quantity.

a tiny bit of

Emphasizes smallness through a more colloquial expression.

a sparing amount of

Highlights the careful and restrained use of a small quantity.

a trace of

Implies an extremely small, barely perceptible amount.

a touch of

Suggests a very slight addition or presence of something.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", implying a subtle and small presence.

a modicum of

Uses a less common word to denote a small, moderate amount.

a drop of

Denotes an extremely small liquid quantity or, figuratively, a small amount of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a minimal amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a minimal amount of" to indicate a small quantity of something is required or present. For example, "The recipe calls for "a minimal amount of" salt".

What can I say instead of "a minimal amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "a small quantity of", "a negligible amount of", or "a slight degree of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a minimal amount of something needed"?

While not strictly redundant, it can often be shortened to "the minimal amount needed" or "the minimum required" for conciseness.

What's the difference between "a minimal amount of" and "a maximum amount of"?

"A minimal amount of" refers to the smallest quantity possible or acceptable, while "a maximum amount of" refers to the largest quantity allowed or possible. They are antonyms in terms of quantity.