are very minimal

USAGE SUMMARY

"are very minimal" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate a small amount. For example, "The resources available to us are very minimal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There are very minimal institution-to-institution level collaborations, partnerships and exchange.

The Guardian

"Of course the chances are very minimal now," Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a real risk because for all the efforts you make, the rewards are very minimal and in some cases none at all.

The Guardian

"The odds are very minimal that your car would be one of the bad ones, but it would be bad if you're that one person," he said.

The New York Times

I have never thought on that: Who would be asking me on my wish?" Well, just what if? "My personal preferences are very minimal," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

"She wanted something modern and minimal, and her films are very minimal and very powerful," said Ms. Valy, 44, a partner at I-Beam Design, an architectural firm in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"The pain was very minimal.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our punishment is very minimal.

The New York Times

"It's very minimal," Mr. Schultz said.

The New York Times - Arts

Practice time will be very minimal".

The New York Times - Sports

And the grey is very minimal, of course.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are very minimal", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being minimized. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "are very minimal" in your writing. While grammatically correct, consider using more descriptive alternatives like "are negligible", "are scarce", or "are limited" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very minimal" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a small quantity, degree, or extent. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase commonly expresses that something is present, but only to a slight degree.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are very minimal" is a grammatically sound phrase employed to express that something is present in a small or limited quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While considered a common phrase, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and explore richer alternatives to enhance clarity and impact. Key authoritative sources that utilize this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian. This phrase maintains a register that suits most writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost nonexistent

Implies an even greater degree of scarcity or insignificance than "are very minimal".

are virtually absent

Similar to 'almost nonexistent' but emphasizes the lack of presence.

are extremely limited

Focuses on the restricted quantity or extent of something.

are exceedingly small

Highlights the diminutive size or degree.

are barely perceptible

Indicates something is so small it's difficult to notice.

are practically negligible

Suggests that something is so unimportant it can be ignored.

are at their lowest

Highlights a reduced state or level.

are reduced to nothing

Emphasizes the elimination or severe reduction of something.

are few and far between

Indicates both a small quantity and infrequent occurrence.

are quite restricted

Similar to 'extremely limited', denoting limitations to quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "are very minimal" to indicate that something exists in a small quantity or degree. For example, "The risks "are very minimal"" or "The resources "are very minimal"".

What can I say instead of "are very minimal"?

You can use alternatives like "are negligible", "are scarce", "are limited", or "are insignificant" depending on the context.

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

Both "are minimal" and "are very minimal" are correct, but "are very minimal" adds extra emphasis. Use "are minimal" for a more concise statement and "are very minimal" to highlight the small quantity or degree.

Which is more formal, "are very minimal" or "are almost nonexistent"?

"Are almost nonexistent" is often perceived as slightly more formal and emphatic than "are very minimal". "Are virtually absent" and other similar phrases also carry a degree of formality.