a minimal increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a small or slight rise in quantity, value, or level in various contexts, such as finance, statistics, or general discussions. Example: "The report indicated a minimal increase in sales compared to the previous quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tenant advocates argued that only a minimal increase was called for.

The New York Times

The city's new water rate of $1.52 for 748 gallons is a minimal increase and a bargain for New Yorkers.

The New York Times

For two seasons, when Williams had no negotiating leverage, the Yankees renewed his contract with a minimal increase.

The New York Times - Sports

Fraport's own studies suggest a minimal increase in the risk of a double catastrophe.

The Economist

When receptors detect a minimal increase in the concentration of dissolved substances in the extracellular fluid, which indicates cellular dehydration, the sensation of thirst occurs.

Britannica

Moreover, for the cell closest to nutrient abundance, a phase-transition emerges where a minimal increase in extrinsic ligand abolishes the proliferative phenotype altogether.

Harvard University

The shutoffs reduced the cumulative time patients spent with low blood sugars during sleep by 81percentt, with only a minimal increase in nighttime glucose levels.

Stanford University

Vanguard investors who do not qualify for Admiral shares would see no change or a "minimal" increase in the expense charges they pay, perhaps two or three hundredths of a percentage point, the company told Reuters.

The New York Times

The ever-increasing traffic demand has motivated mobile operators to explore how they can boost their network capacity with a minimal increase in their capital and operating expenditures.

Computer Networks

Second, a scheme that determines the target bit length of each block by using spatial correlation with a minimal increase in complexity is proposed.

Displays

It is likely that a minimal increase in glucose transport occurs acutely but is too small to noticeably affect HA synthesis, as the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway is thought to utilise only 2 5% of the available intracellular glucose52,53.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal increase", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing and why the increase is considered minimal. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal increase" when the increase, although small, has significant consequences. Instead, opt for a phrase that reflects the impact, regardless of the size of the increase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal increase" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a slight rise or change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

27%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimal increase" serves as a noun phrase to denote a slight or insignificant rise in something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in scientific, news, and academic domains. While alternatives like "a slight increase" or "a small rise" exist, "a minimal increase" specifically emphasizes the smallness of the change. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is increasing and why the increase is deemed minimal for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight rise

Emphasizes the small degree of elevation or growth.

a small increase

Uses 'small' as a more general synonym for 'minimal'.

a marginal rise

Highlights that the increase is barely noticeable or significant.

a negligible rise

Indicates that the increase is so small it can be disregarded.

a modest increase

Suggests the increase is limited and restrained in size.

a slim increase

Implies the increase is thin or barely there.

a scant increase

Highlights the insufficiency or lack of a substantial rise.

a trivial increase

Emphasizes that the increase is unimportant or of little value.

a tiny increase

Uses a more informal term ('tiny') to describe the small size of the increase.

a nominal increase

Indicates that the increase is only in name or by a small amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minimal increase" to describe a slight rise in something, such as "There was "a minimal increase" in the price of milk this year".

What's the difference between "a minimal increase" and "a slight increase"?

While both phrases indicate a small rise, "a minimal increase" emphasizes the smallness of the rise, suggesting it's barely noticeable, whereas "a slight increase" simply acknowledges a small change.

Which is correct, "a minimal increase" or "a minimum increase"?

"A minimal increase" is generally preferred because "minimal" refers to being the least possible, while "a minimum increase" suggests a required or threshold increase.

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

You can use alternatives like "a slight increase", "a small rise", or "a modest increase" depending on the context.