a minimum of explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimum of explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that only a small amount of explanation is required or expected. Example: "In this report, I will provide a minimum of explanation to keep the focus on the data presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This should help viewers understand what is being represented in the dynamic evolutionary map with a minimum of explanation.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Borglum was addressing the ladies of the Atlanta chapter of the UDC when his assistant, Jesse Tucker, burst in and hurried him out the door with a minimum of explanation, only moments before a sheriff's deputy arrived to serve the warrant.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In fact, Poincaré's model of explanation, founded on a minimum of well-confirmed hypotheses erected into principles and from which any meaningful propositions can be deduced, is called into question by Maxwell's approach.

SEP

At the booths, which cost exhibitors a minimum of $3,200, competing sales teams offered earnest explanations of aromatherapy, conjuring up phrases like "direct cellular action" and "the power of aromas to act on the hypothalamus of the brain to alter moods".

The New York Times

A minimum of 350.

The Guardian - Sport

"A minimum of 75," she said.

The New York Times

You need a minimum of commonalities.

The Economist

There is a minimum of fuss.

The Economist

It's a minimum of £100.

BBC

There should be a minimum of three.

Forbes

"I need a minimum of three strikers.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimum of explanation", ensure the context is clear enough for the audience to understand the topic, even with limited details. Overusing it might lead to confusion, so consider the knowledge level of your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimum of explanation" when introducing a complex or unfamiliar subject. Readers may require a more thorough explanation to grasp the core concepts, and insufficient detail can lead to misunderstanding and frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimum of explanation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent to which something is explained, implying a brief or concise explanation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimum of explanation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a concise or brief explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples showcase its presence across various contexts, including Science, News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure your audience has sufficient prior knowledge and clarity isn't sacrificed for the sake of brevity. Related phrases like "brief explanation" or "limited explanation" can offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. Be aware of the potential for misunderstanding if a topic demands thorough elaboration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal explanation

This alternative omits the articles "a" and "of", resulting in a more concise phrase.

brief explanation

This phrase replaces "minimum" with "brief", emphasizing the short length of the explanation.

limited explanation

This substitutes "minimum" with "limited", suggesting a restriction on the amount of explanation provided.

concise explanation

This replaces "a minimum of" with "concise", focusing on the directness and lack of unnecessary detail in the explanation.

succinct explanation

This alternative uses "succinct" instead of "minimum", highlighting the brevity and clarity of the explanation.

cursory explanation

This alternative uses "cursory" which can imply a quick and possibly superficial explanation.

basic explanation

This phrase uses "basic" instead of "minimum", indicating that the explanation covers only the fundamental aspects.

essential explanation only

This alternative emphasizes that only the most necessary explanation is given.

explanation with few details

This describes an explanation that lacks elaboration or extensive information.

little to no explanation

This indicates that almost no explanation is provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minimum of explanation" to indicate that something will be explained briefly or with few details. For instance, "The manual provides "a minimum of explanation", focusing on practical application rather than theory."

What are some alternatives to "a minimum of explanation"?

Alternatives include "brief explanation", "limited explanation", or "concise explanation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a minimum of explanation"?

It's suitable when the audience is already familiar with the topic, or when brevity is prioritized over completeness. Be cautious not to sacrifice clarity for the sake of brevity.

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

"A minimum of explanation" implies a short and concise description, while "a detailed explanation" suggests a comprehensive and thorough analysis. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the audience's needs.