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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a minimal attention

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal attention" is not correct in standard English; it should be "minimal attention" without the article "a." You can use the corrected phrase when discussing the level of focus or consideration given to something, typically in a context where attention is being measured or compared.
Example: "The project received minimal attention from the management, which affected its overall success."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This study seeks to replicate and extend findings from a smaller RCT which compared BT to a minimal attention control condition and indicated an advantage for BT.

As a minimal attention ratio is required to provoke a conflict, the increasing ratio of 'noise' has a pacifying effect on the system as the likelihood of conflicts to occur declines with the decline of the average attention that one actor can devote to any other actor in the system.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At the initial assessment, 28 subjects were assigned to treatment, while 25 subjects entered a minimal-attention condition.

We know already that multitasking is not actually possible, that we cannot simultaneously be 100percentt involved in two things; we just split our focus, and each one gets only an incomplete fraction, a kind of minimal attention.

News & Media

Huffington Post

The fact that these neurons also specify location of a contour segment is given minimal attention.

A 2 (group: behavioral therapy, minimal attention control) × 2 (time: week 0, 8) × 2 (children < 9 yrs., children > 10) ANOVA with independent evaluator-rated symptom severity scores as the continuous dependent variable also detected no main effects for age or for any interactions involving age.

Yet at the beginning of February, the Foreign Office launched a new academy for diplomats, paying minimal attention to the foreign dimensions of criminal justice, business, education or other policies, held tightly to the chests of their respective departments.

News & Media

The Guardian

In classical music, though, the artistic leader of a major institution still comes across as a bit of a Jacobin if he or she pays more than minimal attention to living composers.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The management of osteomyelitis has received minimal attention, and there is a lack of scientific evidence to guide treatment.

Further, Carter's [ 26] review suggests that when potential risks of CAM use are presented to readers, they are presented in such a way that minimizes negative characterizations of CAM, thereby affording these cautions minimal attention.

Broadcast and cable television networks devote only minimal attention to public service advertising, a study concluded, amounting to just 0.4percentt of all air time.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that something receives very little focus, use "minimal attention" without the article "a". For example: "The issue received minimal attention during the meeting."

Common error

The phrase "a minimal attention" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Using "minimal attention" directly improves clarity and correctness. For example, instead of saying "The project received a minimal attention", say "The project received minimal attention".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to modify a noun, indicating the degree of attention received. As pointed out by Ludwig, the correct usage is "minimal attention" without the article "a". The inclusion of 'a' before 'minimal' is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minimal attention" is considered grammatically incorrect; the standard and preferred form is "minimal attention". Ludwig AI highlights this distinction. While the phrase attempts to convey a low degree of focus or consideration, it's best to omit the article "a" for grammatical accuracy. As seen in examples provided by Ludwig, contexts include both science and news, indicating that while not frequent, the intent is generally understood. Alternatives such as "little attention" or "scant attention" are grammatically correct and can be used to express the same meaning.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "a minimal attention"?

No, the correct phrase is "minimal attention" without the article "a". The phrase "minimal attention" is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

What's the difference between "little attention" and "minimal attention"?

Both phrases indicate a lack of focus, but "minimal attention" implies a lower degree of focus than "little attention". The choice depends on the specific level of emphasis you want to convey.

Which is a better phrase, "minimal attention" or "a lot of attention"?

The better phrase depends on the context. Use "minimal attention" when something receives very little focus. Use "a lot of attention" when something receives significant focus.

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

Use alternatives like "little attention", "scant attention", or "limited attention". These phrases convey the same basic meaning while adhering to standard English grammar.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: