a minimal explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a brief or concise description of a concept or idea. Example: "In order to understand the theory, I will provide a minimal explanation of its key principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This, combined with a minimal explanation of the Cyrillic writing system, should enable a linguistically informed reader familiar with Persian and Russian to tackle a Tajik text.

Encyclopedia of Language & Linguistics

A minimal explanation for status construction.

Duke University

Thus, our proposed mechanism of 'cooperative regulation' should be considered as a minimal explanation or, in other words, as representative of a fundamental layer of regulation on which other layers can add, either at the PM or as endocytosis proceeds in other subcellular compartments.

EMBO Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By tradition, the hundreds of appropriations inserted in the final days of the budget talks are listed on a document with minimal explanation of the purpose of each item and no totals or year-by-year comparisons.

The New York Times

The only way to get in was to be handed a pocket watch by a prior guest (who had been instructed to offer minimal explanation), report to a street corner at a certain time, and call a number pasted inside the watch.

The New York Times

The interpretation of a text is the minimal explanation of why the text would be true.

Artificial Intelligence

Isn't it???" Large chunks of the movie felt like little more than excuses to trot out some cast member from the show with minimal explanation, then have them say a few lines, presumably giving fans a warm, fuzzy feeling as they recalled how much they'd enjoyed seeing Character X or Y on the show.

TechCrunch

What need is there to postulate an immaterial mind when this perfectly good, and more minimal, explanation is available?' Hobbes perhaps suggests this when he notes that his nominalism means we do not need to suppose there's any faculty other than imagination in order to understand how universal thought works (Hobbes 1655, 2.9).

SEP

With minimal explanation, it puts you right in the center.

The New York Times

Still other arcana, like "WARF scores" and "Libor," received minimal explanation.

The New York Times

There is minimal explanation of the dances and their functions, or of the nature of any real Indian village, or of the history of these tribes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal explanation", ensure that the core message is still conveyed effectively. Prioritize clarity over extreme brevity to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid providing "a minimal explanation" when complex topics require more detailed coverage. Readers may misinterpret or misunderstand the subject matter due to lack of sufficient information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "provide", "offer", "give"). It refers to a concise and brief account of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimal explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a brief and concise account. Ludwig AI examples indicate its use across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. The phrase finds its utility in situations where brevity is paramount, and an exhaustive treatment of a topic is unnecessary. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid oversimplification. Related phrases like "a brief explanation" and "a concise explanation" serve as strong alternatives, and effective writing requires a balance between brevity and sufficient detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief explanation

Emphasizes the shortness of the explanation.

a concise explanation

Highlights the succinct and clear nature of the explanation.

a short explanation

Focuses on the limited length of the explanation.

an abbreviated explanation

Highlights that the explanation has been shortened or condensed.

a basic explanation

Suggests the explanation covers only fundamental aspects.

a simple explanation

Highlights the ease of understanding the explanation.

an outline explanation

Focuses on providing only the core points, like an outline.

a rudimentary explanation

Implies a very basic or underdeveloped explanation.

a thumbnail explanation

Suggests the explanation is very small and concise, like a thumbnail image.

a superficial explanation

Indicates the explanation lacks depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minimal explanation" when you want to indicate that you are providing a very brief or concise description of something. For instance, "Let me give you "a minimal explanation" of the theory before we delve deeper".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a brief explanation", "a concise explanation", or "a short explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to offer "a minimal explanation"?

It is appropriate to offer "a minimal explanation" when the audience has some prior knowledge of the subject, or when the situation calls for brevity, such as in quick summaries or introductions. Be mindful not to oversimplify complex topics.

What's the difference between "a minimal explanation" and "a detailed explanation"?

"A minimal explanation" provides only the essential information, focusing on brevity, while "a detailed explanation" covers the topic thoroughly, including nuances and complexities. The choice depends on the audience's needs and the purpose of the communication.