a minimal contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant input or effort made towards a project or task. Example: "Despite the challenges, her efforts resulted in a minimal contribution to the overall success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

After the debate, Mr. Eichenbaum identified the Philip Morris executive as David Dangoor, an executive vice president who he said had contributed $50, a minimal contribution by today's standards, to Mr. Green's campaign in 1993.

The New York Times

Non-coding mutations in exome-positive probands and poorly evolutionarily conserved sites make a minimal contribution to severe developmental disorders.

Nature

And because they are modest to begin with, they can make only a minimal contribution to America's long-term energy needs.

The New York Times

Automobile company executives have said that the program would make only a minimal contribution to cleaning California's air and that it would be difficult to sell even a few thousand electric vehicles.

The New York Times

"It is time for the transport industry to do more to tackle climate change, instead of claiming that it makes a minimal contribution to global warming, or simply blaming other industry sectors".

The Guardian - Travel

The UN's largest contributors have a caustic view of the committee, regarding it as run by countries who make a minimal contribution to the cost of the UN but decide both the secretariat and peacekeeping budgets.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The rest of the characters seem to have a very minimal contribution to variability.

AoB PLANTS

They also found that a blanket used to cover Burrell's face had a "more than minimal" contribution to his death and should have been removed.

The Guardian

If the actor provides more than a minimal creative contribution, then that contribution may be copyrightable; however, the Copyright Act does not expressly include acting.

Huffington Post

This method is not suitable for the analysis of plasma taurine or GABA; the former is not retained due to its strong sulphonic acid group, whereas the latter co-elutes with serine, but this is not a problem, given the minimal contribution of physiological concentrations of this neurotransmitter (Cowley et al. 1996) to the serine peak.

Amino Acids

For example, one analysis has shown that the overall composite endpoint is driven to a large extent by MRI outcomes, with minimal contribution from clinical measures [ 32].

Advances in Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal contribution", ensure the context clearly indicates that the contribution, while present, is not substantial or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal contribution" when the actual impact is considerable. Instead, opt for phrases like "a significant contribution" or "a key role" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal contribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the extent or degree of impact something has. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minimal contribution" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something that has a small or insignificant impact. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used correctly in a variety of contexts, with science, news and media, and formal business being the most common. While usable in formal writing, it's important to ensure its accurate for the situation, as noted. Alternatives like ""a negligible contribution"" or ""a slight contribution"" can be employed depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible contribution

Indicates an even smaller and less important contribution than the original phrase.

a trivial contribution

Emphasizes the insignificance of the contribution, suggesting it's almost worthless.

a minor contribution

Highlights the small scale of the contribution, focusing on its limited effect.

a slight contribution

Similar to "minimal", but can also suggest a subtle or barely noticeable impact.

a small part to play

Shifts the focus to the role or involvement, emphasizing its limited scope.

a limited impact

Focuses on the effect of the contribution, stressing its restricted influence.

a marginal effect

Suggests the contribution barely makes a difference or is almost irrelevant.

a symbolic gesture

Indicates the contribution is more about appearance than substance, lacking real impact.

a drop in the bucket

Highlights how small the contribution is compared to the overall need or task.

an insignificant role

Emphasizes the unimportance of the part played, stressing its lack of influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minimal contribution" to indicate that something has had a small or insignificant effect. For example, "The new policy had "a minimal contribution" to reducing pollution levels."

What are some alternatives to "a minimal contribution"?

Alternatives include "a negligible contribution", "a trivial contribution", or "a slight contribution". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a minimal contribution" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minimal contribution" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the level of impact; otherwise, consider stronger or more precise wording.

What's the difference between "a minimal contribution" and "a modest contribution"?

"A minimal contribution" suggests a very small or insignificant effect, while "a modest contribution" implies a more reasonable but still not substantial impact. The key difference lies in the degree of significance.