as the bare minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the bare minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the least amount or the most basic requirement needed in a situation. Example: "To pass the course, you need to complete the assignments as the bare minimum to demonstrate your understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Dozens treat the average as the bare minimum.

The Guardian

describing it as the "bare minimum" TalkTalk could do.

The Guardian

Perhaps "whatever it takes" is defined in the ECB dictionary of policymaking as "the bare minimum".

The Guardian - Opinion

Greek officials are understood to be pushing for a three-year deal, as the bare minimum.

The Guardian - Business

In the Haggler's restitution terms, this is what is known as "the bare minimum".

The New York Times

"We view these cuts as the bare minimum," said Brent Bracelin, an analyst with Pacific Crest Securities.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Bids for airplay come no more blatant than The Avenue, which doesn't so much sample the Maisonettes' 1982 soul hit Heartache Avenue as does the bare minimum required to qualify it as a different record.

The Guardian - Music

Then Republicans risk coming off as doing the bare minimum to investigate allegations about Kavanaugh's background by listening to just one woman.

The Washington Post

As parents, the bare minimum we expect from textbooks is that the facts are correct".

Huffington Post

Do you spend the bare minimum, as little as possible to get your tunes?

Forbes

Gett, simply put, seems to think that, when it comes to taking responsibility for potentially anti-competitive behavior, this was the bare minimum as far as apologies are concerned.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as the bare minimum", ensure the context clearly defines what the minimum refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "do it as the bare minimum", specify "complete these three tasks as the bare minimum requirement for this project."

Common error

While acceptable, "as the bare minimum" can sometimes sound dismissive in formal settings. Opt for more professional alternatives like "at a minimum" or "as a baseline requirement" to maintain a respectful and serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the bare minimum" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the lowest acceptable level or requirement for an action or condition. Ludwig examples show that this phrase is considered grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the bare minimum" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote the least acceptable or sufficient level of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in science and business-related content. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, opting for alternatives like "at a minimum" or "at the very least" may be preferable in highly formal or professional settings to avoid sounding dismissive. Therefore, understanding the context and audience is crucial when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

Indicates the minimum acceptable level, similar to "as the bare minimum" but with a slightly different emphasis.

at a minimum

A more concise way of expressing the minimum requirement.

as a minimum

Similar to "at a minimum", but with a slightly different word order.

the absolute minimum

Emphasizes that it is the lowest possible level.

the bare essentials

Focuses on the most basic and necessary elements.

the minimum necessary

Highlights the necessity of reaching at least that level.

the lowest acceptable level

More descriptive and formal, specifying acceptability.

the smallest possible amount

Focuses on quantity and minimization.

the baseline requirement

Positions it as a foundational standard.

the rock bottom standard

Emphasizes the low quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "as the bare minimum" in a sentence?

You can use "as the bare minimum" to indicate the least acceptable or sufficient level of something. For example: "To pass the course, you need to complete the assignments "as the bare minimum" to demonstrate your understanding of the material."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "as the bare minimum"?

Similar phrases include "at the very least", "at a minimum", or "as a minimum". All of them can be used to indicate the lowest acceptable standard.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "as the bare minimum"?

While grammatically correct, "as the bare minimum" might not be suitable for highly formal or professional contexts. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

Which is correct, "as the bare minimum" or "at the bare minimum"?

Both phrases can be used, but "as the bare minimum" is more common when describing a requirement or expectation. The phrase "at the very least" could be used to provide a similar meaning.