are minimal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are minimal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very small in amount, degree, or extent. Example: "The changes made to the document are minimal, ensuring that the original content remains intact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Celebrity appearances are minimal.

The New York Times

Slips are minimal.

The New Yorker

Overheads are minimal.

The Economist

Signs are minimal.

The New York Times - Arts

The distractions are minimal".

The Guardian - Books

String sections are minimal.

The New York Times - Arts

Frills are minimal.

The New York Times

Its costs are minimal.

The Guardian

Set pieces are minimal.

The New Yorker

Other transaction costs are minimal.

The New York Times

And his reservations are minimal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are minimal" to clearly and concisely convey that something is present in the smallest possible amount or degree. This is particularly effective when you want to downplay the significance of something.

Common error

While "are minimal" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "negligible", "insignificant", or "limited" to maintain a sophisticated tone and provide nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are minimal" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that the noun's quantity, degree, or extent is at the lowest possible level. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes costs, risks, differences, and efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are minimal" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is present to the smallest degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Science and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, using more specific synonyms might enhance formality. Overall, "are minimal" effectively conveys a sense of insignificance or limited impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are negligible

Emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of something.

are very small

A straightforward way to express that something is not large in size or amount.

are insignificant

Indicates that something lacks importance or consequence.

are limited

Suggests that something is restricted in quantity or scope.

are few

Simply states that the number of something is not large.

are reduced

Implies that something has been made smaller or less.

are at a minimum

Highlights that something is at its lowest possible level.

are scarcely any

Emphasizes the lack or near absence of something.

are trivial

Indicates that something is of little value or importance.

are practically nonexistent

Expresses that something is almost completely absent.

FAQs

How can I use "are minimal" in a sentence?

Use "are minimal" to indicate that something exists in a very small amount or degree. For example, "The risks "are minimal" with cautious use" suggests a low level of risk.

What are some alternatives to "are minimal"?

Alternatives include "are negligible", "are insignificant", or "are limited". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are minimal" or "are minimum"?

"Are minimal" is grammatically correct. "Are minimum" is incorrect because "minimum" is a noun, while "minimal" is an adjective describing the extent or degree. Therefore, "are minimal" is the appropriate phrase.

In what situations is it best to use the phrase "are minimal"?

The phrase "are minimal" is best used when you want to downplay the size, amount, impact, or degree of something, suggesting it is as small as possible. It is suitable in various contexts, from scientific reports to news articles, where accuracy is important.