a minimum amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimum amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe the smallest or lowest quantity of something that is required in a particular situation. For example, "The recipe only requires a minimum amount of sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You have to use a minimum amount of force.

The New Yorker

The girls warmed up with a minimum amount of prancing.

The New York Times - Sports

VENICE survived this war, at least physically, with a minimum amount of change.

The New Yorker

"It's the instant gratification — receiving something with a minimum amount of work," he said.

The New York Times

A minimum amount of culture media was supplemented, ensuring cells survive without losing their contact.

Nature

It's simply about a minimum amount of transparency and good faith," he told Libération.

The Telegraph

Now, can you do that with a minimum amount of force today?

The Guardian

Fertilize with a minimum amount of sperm [see FERTILIZATION and SPERM DILUTION labs].

Stanford University

We suggest that you plan a minimum amount of US$225 per week for meals.

Cornell University

Is there a minimum amount of professional experience you're looking for in applicants?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Attempting to define a 'minimum' amount of time to stay at a job is a joke.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying requirements or regulations, clearly state "a minimum amount of" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Students must complete a minimum amount of 120 credits to graduate."

Common error

Avoid using "a minimum amount of" when you actually mean a maximum. For example, don't say "Use a minimum amount of water" if you intend to limit the water used; instead, say "Use a maximum amount of water."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimum amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to specify the smallest acceptable or necessary quantity of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a minimum amount of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to specify the smallest acceptable quantity or degree of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid confusing "a minimum amount of" with a maximum limit, and to choose the phrase that accurately reflects your intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "a minimal quantity of" or "the least possible amount of" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", emphasizing the smallness of the measurement.

the bare minimum of

Highlights that it is the most reduced quantity that you can get.

the least possible amount of

Adds emphasis on minimizing the quantity as much as possible.

a reduced quantity of

Highlights the act of lowering the amount, implying a previous larger quantity.

a small measure of

Uses "measure" instead of "amount", softening the definitive quantity.

a lower limit of

Emphasizes the boundary or threshold that must be reached or exceeded.

an insignificant amount of

Highlights the fact that the amount is so little that it doesn't have importance.

a paltry amount of

Replaces "minimum" with "paltry", which indicates that something is almost worthless.

the slightest amount of

Emphasizes that even the smallest amount is sufficient.

a trace amount of

Indicates a very small and often barely detectable quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a minimum amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a minimum amount of" to specify the smallest acceptable quantity of something required or allowed, as in, "You need "a minimum amount of" training before operating the machinery."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a minimum amount of"?

You can use phrases like "a minimal quantity of", "the least possible amount of", or "a small measure of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a minimum amount of"?

The phrase is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, but ensure that you're using it to indicate the lowest acceptable quantity, not the highest. If you intend to limit something, use "maximum amount" instead.

What's the difference between "a minimum amount of" and "a maximum amount of"?

"A minimum amount of" specifies the lowest quantity that is acceptable or required, while "a maximum amount of" specifies the highest quantity that is allowed or permissible. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your intended limit or requirement.