at a minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a minimum" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the lowest acceptable amount of something. For example, "You should study for at least an hour a day, at a minimum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The army interference is at a minimum.

The New York Times

At a minimum, that ensures true competition.

The New York Times

At a minimum, a bit of shelter.

The Economist

Yes, at a minimum.

The Washington Post

Camp is at a minimum.

The New York Times - Arts

Many find them, at a minimum, unattractive.

The New York Times - Health

Grace and sportsmanship are at a minimum.

The New York Times - Sports

At a minimum, that means slower growth.

The New York Times

Her time, however, was at a minimum.

The New York Times - Style

Affordable space is now at a minimum.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At a minimum, it raises security risks for the hospice.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a minimum", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the minimum refers to. For example, "The essay should be 500 words, at a minimum."

Common error

Avoid using "at a minimum" without specifying the maximum acceptable level or range. Otherwise, the statement can appear open-ended or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a minimum" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the lowest acceptable level or requirement. As evidenced by Ludwig, it sets a baseline that must be met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a minimum" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express the lowest acceptable limit or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity about what the minimum refers to. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears very often in News & Media, and also in Wiki and Business contexts. Related phrases include "at the very least" and "as a bare minimum". Avoid vagueness by clearly specifying the scope of the minimum to prevent misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

Emphasizes the minimal acceptable condition, similar to the original phrase.

as a bare minimum

Highlights the basic, essential requirement, mirroring the sense of "at a minimum".

at the lowest

Focuses on the bottom level or degree, comparable to the initial phrase.

at least

Shorter version with a similar meaning, expressing the smallest acceptable quantity or degree.

at rock bottom

Indicates an absolute lowest point or level that must be considered.

as a starting point

Suggests a baseline or initial step, reflecting a minimal action required.

to say the least

Understates the actual situation or feeling, implying that "at a minimum" is what can be explicitly stated.

in the least

Focuses on the smallest possible extent or degree.

if nothing else

Implies a minimal benefit or outcome even if other things fail.

at absolute zero

Indicates the lowest possible level, specifically in the context of temperature, but can be generalized.

FAQs

How can I use "at a minimum" in a sentence?

Use "at a minimum" to express the lowest acceptable level or requirement. For example, "You should exercise for 30 minutes daily, "at a minimum"."

What phrases are similar to "at a minimum"?

Alternatives include "at the very least", "as a bare minimum", or simply "at least", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it better to use "at a minimum" or "at minimum"?

"At a minimum" is the correct and more common form. "At minimum" is less idiomatic and should generally be avoided.

What's the difference between "at a minimum" and "ideally"?

"At a minimum" sets a lower bound, whereas "ideally" describes an optimal or desired outcome. They serve different purposes in expressing expectations.