a minimal cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expenses or pricing, indicating that something is available at a low or reduced cost. Example: "We aim to provide high-quality services at a minimal cost to our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The aim of the classical VRP is finding a set of routes at a minimal cost (finding the shortest path, minimizing the number of vehicles, etc).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Basically migrating listeners (predominantly younger) from pirating to a minimal cost that makes money in the aggregate.

The New Yorker

Garza is using soccer in building teams similar to those in the suburbs – but at a minimal cost.

The Guardian - Sport

Supporters say the approach would keep people in their homes who otherwise might have lost them, at a minimal cost to taxpayers.

The Guardian - Money

Since nationalisation, this industry has lost its moral compass and become more concerned with maximising shareholder profit than providing a minimal cost reliable service.

The Guardian - Business

The winner's artwork will be slapped on the cover of pool safety pamphlets published at a minimal cost by the county printer.

The New York Times

The federal Civil Rights Act requires public and private employers to accommodate their workers' religious needs as long as doing so won't impose more than a minimal cost to their business.

The Guardian

"Any school can do these things at a minimal cost and can make real changes," said Saul Lerner, the director of physical education, athletics, health, driver education and adult education for the district.

The New York Times

While the darts made mostly of tungsten steel can last a decade, the shafts and the feathered backs, called flights, need continual repair at a minimal cost of about $10 a year.

The New York Times

In court filings, the lawyers for the Miami relatives argued that a few additional weeks' delay in deciding Elian's fate would be "a minimal cost in a case with stakes of such magnitude".

The New York Times

"A protective fund of this nature could be modestly funded and maintained at a minimal cost until such time as necessary to advance funds to customers, thereby allowing them to resume trading with little or no delay".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial planning or project proposals, use "a minimal cost" to emphasize budget efficiency. For example, "Implementing this new software will allow us to streamline operations at "a minimal cost".

Common error

Don't confuse "a minimal cost" with something being free. "Minimal" indicates a very low cost, but it's still an expense to consider. Using the phrase when there are truly no costs involved is misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal cost" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adverbial modifier. It describes the extent to which something is expensive or affordable. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate the phrase modifying actions or services.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minimal cost" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes something obtained or done with very little expense. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, this phrase emphasizes affordability and efficiency. To ensure clarity, remember that "minimal cost" doesn't equate to "free"; it implies a very low, but existing, expense. When writing, use "a minimal cost" to highlight budget efficiency, and consider alternatives like "at "a low price"" or ""cost-effectively"" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a low price

Focuses on the monetary aspect of the cost.

at a reduced expense

Emphasizes the lowered financial burden.

at a negligible cost

Highlights that the cost is so small it's almost insignificant.

at an affordable rate

Stresses the accessibility of the price point.

at a bargain price

Suggests the item or service is being offered for less than its true value.

economically

Describes something done in a way that saves money.

inexpensively

Refers to getting something without spending much money.

at a modest price

Indicates a price that is not high or excessive.

cost-effectively

Highlights the balance between cost and effectiveness.

on a budget

Implies careful management of limited funds.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minimal cost" to describe something that is available or achievable with very little expense. For example, "We aim to provide high-quality services at "a minimal cost" to our clients".

What are some alternatives to "a minimal cost"?

Alternatives include "at a low price", "at a reduced expense", or "cost-effectively". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at minimal cost" or "at a minimal cost"?

While "at minimal cost" might be understood, "at "a minimal cost"" is the more standard and grammatically sound way to express the idea.

What does "a minimal cost" imply about the value received?

"A minimal cost" suggests that you are receiving good value for the money spent. It indicates that the benefits or outcomes outweigh the financial investment.