a minimal reduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal reduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a small or slight decrease in quantity, size, or intensity in various contexts, such as economics, science, or general discussions. Example: "The new policy resulted in a minimal reduction of costs for the company, allowing for better budget management."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

(Apparently, the post-op animal exhibited the same personality and a minimal reduction in intelligence).

The New Yorker

He said the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the state agency that administers the rent laws, could consider the changes to the intercom system a minimal reduction in service that would not warrant a reduction in rent.

The New York Times

To provide even a minimal reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions over a gasoline-engine vehicle, the diesel has to deliver considerably better fuel economy.

The New York Times

The mitigation efforts were credited with a minimal reduction in production during the following season.

Earth, Planets and Space

The curve (E/E0 = 1) at 90° has the highest stress and results in a minimal reduction in the stress concentration factor.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

We present a novel approach to video coding that can dramatically reduce decoder DRAM bandwidth requirements while incurring a minimal reduction in compression efficiency, and which may yield an increase in compression efficiency under certain circumstances.

Integration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Subclavian flow showed a nonsignificant minimal reduction with LRC when compared with SRC flows.

Annals of Intensive Care

(1) and (2), suggest it advisable to ensure a certain minimal reduction in concentration from chamber inlet to outlet of both types of chambers, of the order of 20 to 30%.

Biology Open

Because the placebo-controlled effect of PSs on FMD was zero, it could be hypothesized that a certain minimal reduction in LDL cholesterol (>0.26 mmol/L) is required to improve endothelial function.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

The goal is to obtain a maximal autogenous shrinkage reduction and a minimal strength reduction.

Construction and Building Materials

This provides an explanation for both the minimal reduction in cell survival in the cell viability assay (Fig.  1C) and the lack of colony‐forming ability (Fig.  2B).

Cancer Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal reduction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and why the small amount is significant. For example, "a minimal reduction in errors" can be crucial in critical systems.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal reduction" when the actual decrease is substantial, as it can mislead the reader and diminish the real significance of the change. Be precise in your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal reduction" functions as a noun phrase, where "minimal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "reduction". It typically identifies and quantifies a small decrease or lessening of something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimal reduction" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a slight or small decrease. Ludwig confirms the phrase is valid and provides examples of how it appears in various contexts, primarily in scientific and news-related sources. While the phrase is widely understood, it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement or misrepresentation of the actual decrease. Alternatives such as "a slight decrease" or "a small decline" can offer similar meanings, depending on the context. Therefore, understand the significance of the phrase and avoid common mistakes to use it properly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease

Emphasizes a small amount of lessening, focusing on the action of reducing.

a small decline

Highlights a reduction from a higher point, usually gradual.

a marginal decrease

Suggests the reduction is barely noticeable or significant.

a negligible lessening

Implies the reduction is so small it is not worth considering.

a nominal drop

Conveys that the reduction is so insignificant that it is close to zero.

a modest abatement

Indicates a moderate or humble decrease, often temporary.

a trivial curtailment

Expresses that the reduction is so minor it has little to no consequence.

an insignificant dip

Shows the reduction as a brief, unremarkable change.

a fractional cut

Describes the reduction as a tiny fraction of the whole.

a minute lessening

Highlights the extremely small and often unmeasurable nature of the reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minimal reduction" to describe a slight decrease in something. For example, "The new software update resulted in "a minimal reduction" in loading times."

What are some alternatives to saying "a minimal reduction"?

Alternatives include "a slight decrease", "a small decline", or "a marginal decrease", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a minimal reduction" or "a slight reduction"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a minimal reduction" emphasizes the smallness of the decrease, while "a slight reduction" simply acknowledges that a decrease has occurred without emphasizing its size.

What's the difference between "a minimal reduction" and "no reduction"?

"A minimal reduction" indicates a small decrease did occur, while "no reduction" indicates there was absolutely no decrease whatsoever. They are opposites.