a minimum outlay of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimum outlay of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the least amount of money or resources required for a particular investment or expenditure. Example: "To start the project, we need a minimum outlay of $5,000 for initial materials and supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Aberdeenshire-based brewer is asking customers to make a minimum outlay of £95 for two shares.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was appointed because Celtic thought they could hoover up all the prizes in Rangers' absence for a minimum outlay.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company offers a direct-purchase plan with a minimum initial outlay of $250 and optional cash purchases of as little as $50.

Forbes

Under Chris Grayling's price-competitive tendering system we stand to lose our small high-street solicitor firms who know the problems of their clients, and find in their place big multiple-contract operators who, no doubt attracted by the prospect of fixed fees and minimum outlay, will use overworked, underpaid and inexperienced paralegals to represent some of the most vulnerable in society.

Independent

Unlike a traditional private foundation, a supporting organization has no mandated 5% minimum outlay, pays no excise taxes on investment income and has fewer self-dealing restrictions.

Forbes

If this amount is a deal-breaker, use the FORBES fund screener, www.forbes.com/fundscreener, to find other global bond funds–or funds of any type with lower minimum outlays.

Forbes

He favors a minimum age of eighteen.

The New Yorker

A minimum number of floors?

The Guardian - Money

They faced a minimum bail of $5,000.

Los Angeles Times

Order a minimum number of checks.

WikiHow

Apply a minimum amount of makeup.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project budgets or investment opportunities, use "a minimum outlay of" to clearly communicate the least amount of funds required to participate or initiate the activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimum outlay of" when referring to the overall or expected total cost of something. This phrase specifies the lowest acceptable amount, not the anticipated final expense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimum outlay of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifying the lowest acceptable amount of money or resources required for a particular purpose. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minimum outlay of" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, to indicate the smallest acceptable financial or resource commitment for a particular activity or investment. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate it from the total cost. Instead, alternatives like "a minimal investment of" or "a starting cost of" can be used depending on the context. Being mindful to not confuse it with overall expenditure ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal investment of

Replaces "outlay" with "investment", focusing on the financial aspect and suggesting a return.

a starting cost of

Emphasizes the initial expense required to begin something.

a basic expenditure of

Substitutes "outlay" with "expenditure", highlighting the act of spending.

a lower limit of

Focuses on the boundary of how low the investment can be.

a bottom-line expense of

Emphasizes the absolute minimum cost that must be covered.

a floor price of

Implies the lowest acceptable price point for an item or investment.

an introductory price of

Highlights that the price is the starting point and might increase later.

a threshold investment of

Focuses on a key level that once achieved, opens additional possibilities.

a prerequisite expense of

Highlights the mandatory nature of the expense as a condition.

an initial commitment of

Broadens the concept beyond mere cost, emphasizing a promise of resources.

FAQs

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

Use "a minimum outlay of" to specify the smallest acceptable amount of money or resources needed for something. For instance, "The project requires "a minimum outlay of" $5,000 for initial supplies."

What's the difference between "a minimum outlay of" and "a total cost of"?

"A minimum outlay of" refers to the least amount you need to spend to start or participate in something. "A total cost of" refers to the entire amount you expect to spend overall.

What can I say instead of "a minimum outlay of"?

You can use alternatives like "a minimal investment of", "a starting cost of", or "a basic expenditure of depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "a minimum outlay for" instead of "a minimum outlay of"?

While "a minimum outlay for" might be understandable, ""a minimum outlay of"" is the more standard and grammatically sound construction.