a minimum term of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimum term of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as legal agreements, contracts, or discussions about timeframes and durations. Example: "The lease agreement stipulates a minimum term of one year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A minimum term of 30 years was set before he could be considered for parole.

The Guardian

In Dobson's case he sentenced him to a minimum term of 15 years and two months.

The Guardian

Yam was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ulbricht faces up to life in prison and a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian - Tech

Treacy sentenced him to serve a minimum term of 15 years and two months.

The Guardian

He set a minimum term of 25 years before either parent was eligible for parole.

The Guardian

Abdulla is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years.

The Guardian

I believe we should legislate for a minimum term of 30 months to create some stability.

The Guardian

McGreavy was given multiple life sentences with a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian

Wang was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian

Her husband was jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal sentences, use "a minimum term of" to clearly state the portion of a sentence that must be served before parole eligibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a minimum term of" when you actually mean a maximum term. Ensure clarity by specifying whether you are setting a lower or upper bound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimum term of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically related to time or duration. It specifies the lower limit of a period, often in the context of legal sentences or contractual agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minimum term of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, primarily found in news and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's appropriate for setting a lower limit on duration, often in legal or contractual scenarios. Related phrases include "a mandatory minimum sentence" or "a set minimum duration". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and distinguish it from maximum terms. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mandatory minimum sentence

Focuses specifically on legal sentences and their obligatory nature.

a set minimum duration

Emphasizes the establishment of a duration, suitable for various contexts.

a prescribed minimum period

Highlights the regulated or controlled aspect of the duration.

a required minimum timeframe

Implies a necessary timeframe that must be adhered to.

a stipulated minimum length

Suggests a condition or agreement specifying the minimum duration.

a baseline duration of

Specifies a starting point for duration, often implying potential extension.

a floor duration of

Similar to baseline, but more commonly used in contexts where increases are expected or possible.

at least

Uses fewer words and refers to something acceptable or adequate.

no less than

Simple alternative to show the minimum amount of something.

a guaranteed minimum timeframe

Expresses the minimum timeframe by guaranteeing it.

FAQs

How is "a minimum term of" used in legal contexts?

In law, "a minimum term of" specifies the shortest period a person must serve in prison before being eligible for parole. For example, "He was sentenced to life with "a minimum term of" 15 years" means he can apply for parole after 15 years.

What's a less formal alternative to "a minimum term of"?

In less formal settings, you might use "at least" or "no less than" to convey a similar meaning. However, "a minimum term of" is preferred in legal or official contexts.

Is "minimum term" the same as "maximum sentence"?

No, "minimum term" and "maximum sentence" are different. The former indicates the least amount of time someone must be imprisoned, while the latter is the longest possible imprisonment period.

Can "a minimum term of" be applied to things other than prison sentences?

Yes, while commonly used for sentences, it can apply to contracts or agreements specifying a duration: "The service agreement has "a minimum duration of" one year."