an absolute minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolute minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least amount or level that is necessary or acceptable in a given context. Example: "To ensure safety, we must maintain an absolute minimum of two meters between each worker on the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should be an absolute minimum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Money and material belongings were at an absolute minimum.

The New York Times

Aim for an absolute minimum of 8 hours sleep.

Independent

Hence, analysis time can be reduced to an absolute minimum.

Fungal Genetics and Biology

"There should be an absolute minimum of stagecraft," Mr. Sorkin said.

The New York Times

The Price Club philosophy was simple: Keep overhead to an absolute minimum.

The New York Times

He was from Baltimore, where they keep the beaming to an absolute minimum.

The New York Times

I've tried to keep the overseas trips to an absolute minimum".

The Guardian

Because of this, jewellery should be kept to an absolute minimum so as not to clash!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But defending immigration should be an absolute minimum qualification for a political leader from this state.

The New York Times

England can't win; Australia can, but they'd need an absolute minimum of four wickets before lunch.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an absolute minimum", ensure you're referring to a non-negotiable lower limit. Avoid using it when you mean a suggested or flexible minimum.

Common error

Avoid using "an absolute minimum" when a regular 'minimum' suffices. Overusing 'absolute' can weaken its impact when you genuinely need to emphasize a critical lower limit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolute minimum" functions as a noun phrase that specifies the lowest possible or acceptable limit. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a phrase used to denote a strict lower bound in various contexts, from setting requirements to minimizing risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolute minimum" is a versatile phrase that serves to emphasize a strict, non-negotiable lower limit, as determined through this analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news, science, and academic contexts. When using "an absolute minimum", ensure that you are referring to a genuine, critical lower limit, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "a bare minimum" or "the very least". Its wide applicability and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bare minimum

Emphasizes the idea of something being basic and barely sufficient.

the very least

Focuses on the idea of something being the smallest possible amount.

rock-bottom minimum

Implies a minimum that is extremely low or reduced to its lowest possible level.

the irreducible minimum

Highlights that the minimum cannot be further reduced or compromised.

absolute bottom

Similar to rock-bottom minimum, stressing the lowest possible level.

a strict minimum

Emphasizes the rigidity and unyielding nature of the minimum requirement.

an utter minimum

Emphasizes the completeness of the minimum level, suggesting it is the total lowest amount possible.

the minimum threshold

Refers to the boundary that must be reached or exceeded, differing slightly by focusing on a pass/fail boundary.

a lower bound

Focuses on setting a limit from below, typically in mathematical or computational contexts.

the baseline requirement

Stresses the basic nature of the necessity and that it is a starting point for something.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolute minimum" in a sentence?

You can use "an absolute minimum" to specify the smallest acceptable quantity or level required for a particular situation. For example, "To pass the course, you need "an absolute minimum" of 70 points".

What are some alternatives to "an absolute minimum"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a bare minimum", "the very least", or "the irreducible minimum". Each option emphasizes the lowest acceptable limit.

Is it better to say "absolute minimum" or "bare minimum"?

Both "absolute minimum" and "bare minimum" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Absolute minimum" emphasizes a non-negotiable, strict lower limit, while "bare minimum" simply suggests the least amount necessary to achieve a basic outcome. Use "absolute minimum" if the lower limit cannot be compromised, otherwise, "bare minimum" is fine.

Can I use "an absolute minimum" in formal writing?

Yes, "an absolute minimum" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to clearly specify the lowest acceptable limit. However, ensure the context requires the emphasis that "absolute" provides; otherwise, a simpler term like "minimum" may suffice.