a minimal capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that has the least amount of ability or functionality required for a specific purpose. Example: "The device operates at a minimal capacity, which is sufficient for basic tasks but not for more demanding applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Or at least we think that an adult has a minimal capacity to make choices which the child lacks, even if a particular adult throughout her life makes suboptimal choices.

SEP

"They said that he was severely injured and that he had a minimal capacity of survival, basically that he would most likely not make it because of all the internal injuries he had.

BBC

Since Rawls' Theory of Justice is the classical focal point of present-day political philosophy, it is worth noting the different ways his theory claims to be egalitarian: First, Rawls upholds a natural basis for equal human worth: a minimal capacity for having a conception of the good and a sense of justice.

SEP

The on-board computer architecture should provide the means to continuously store science data for a period of up to three days in a solid-state mass memory (SSMM), which implies a minimal capacity of ({sim}650mbox{ Mbytes}), which is easily achieved with any modern mass memory (capacity up to 2 TeraBit).

EPJ Quantum Technology

Interestingly, another obligate intracellular pathogen, Coxiella burnetii, that occupies a phagolysosomal-like vacuole [55], also exhibits a minimal capacity to respond to iron availability [17].

Plosone

Immunohistochemistry also revealed that the stromal fibroblasts had a minimal capacity to synthesize MMP-9.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Evans [12] has proved that the conductor potential of a surface with minimal capacity is a double-valued harmonic function.

Boundary Value Problems

Alternatively, are all motile sperm capable of fertilization or is it a purely random event (presuming minimal capacity to fertilize in a single population)?

Human Reproduction Update

He is a garden-variety bigot with minimal capacity for focusing on any issue for more than a few minutes.

Huffington Post

They would have to convince American planners that any nuclear buildup would go only so far and would be keyed to the size of the American shield, allowing China to keep something resembling the minimal capacity for a counterattack that it has had in the past but not fundamentally altering the balance.

The New York Times

Under the condition of system adequacy, flexibility never poses a challenge in a cost-minimal capacity mix.

Energy Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal capacity", ensure the context clearly defines what this capacity refers to. Providing specific examples or metrics can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal capacity" when describing something that has no capacity at all. Ensure there is at least some level of functionality or ability present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal capacity" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that possesses the smallest possible amount of ability, capability, or function. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minimal capacity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes a very limited ability or capability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in scientific and technical contexts, it can also be found in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the limitations being described are clearly defined. While alternatives such as "a limited ability" and "a small degree of" exist, the choice of phrase depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited capability

Replaces 'minimal' with 'limited', emphasizing restriction.

a slight ability

Substitutes 'capacity' with 'ability' and 'minimal' with 'slight', focusing on the presence of some skill.

a reduced potential

Uses 'potential' instead of 'capacity', highlighting the idea of a diminished possibility.

a basic competence

Emphasizes a fundamental level of skill or knowledge.

a low level of functionality

Focuses on the limited operational aspect.

a small degree of power

Uses 'power' instead of 'capacity', indicating a limited influence or strength.

a narrow scope

Highlights the restricted range or extent.

a modest aptitude

Uses 'aptitude' to mean a natural ability, but in a restrained quantity.

a rudimentary skill

Focuses on a basic or undeveloped skill.

a marginal talent

Emphasizes that the talent or ability is barely sufficient or significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a minimal capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "a minimal capacity" to describe something that has a small or limited ability to do something. For example, "The old computer has "a minimal capacity" for running modern software."

What's the difference between "a minimal capacity" and "a limited capacity"?

"A minimal capacity" implies the smallest amount of capacity possible, while "a limited capacity" suggests that the capacity is restricted but not necessarily at its lowest possible level. The terms are often interchangeable, though 'minimal' emphasizes just meeting the requirements, and 'limited' has a broader restrictive sense.

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

You can use alternatives like "a limited ability", "a small degree of", or "a basic level of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "minimal capacity" or "minimum capacity"?

Both "minimal capacity" and "minimum capacity" are acceptable, but "minimal capacity" emphasizes that something possesses the least amount required for a particular function. "Minimum capacity" focuses on a specific threshold.