at the minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the minimum" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a low threshold of something - often used in the context of a requirement that must be met. For example: "To be accepted into the program, applicants must have a college degree at the minimum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At the minimum, he won't play again until the 19th.

The New York Times - Sports

It was, at the minimum, uncomfortable to watch.

The New York Times

So they will be looking at the minimum.

The Guardian

At the minimum, that's almost two years of costly stasis.

Harvard Business Review

Really close". It was, at the minimum, uncomfortable to watch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nitrogen oxide concentration is controlled at the minimum level.

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering

Compounding time is optimised at the minimum level.

Composites Part B: Engineering

"At the minimum, they are going to have a heated and divisive primary".

The New York Times

"It's not even at the minimum that I need from him".

The New York Times - Sports

"Her current job pays at the minimum wage rate, monthly and not weekly.

The Guardian - Money

Pay rates were stuck at the minimum wage, seemingly regardless of the efficiencies achieved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the minimum" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the tone and register of the piece. In some cases, a more direct synonym like "at least" might be preferable for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the minimum" when you actually intend to convey an average or typical value. This phrase specifically denotes the lowest acceptable limit, not a central tendency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the minimum" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate a lower limit or a baseline requirement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the minimum" is a versatile phrase used to establish a lower boundary or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that "at the minimum" accurately reflects your intended meaning, distinguishing it from averages or ideal scenarios. Consider alternatives such as ""at least"" or ""as a minimum"" for stylistic variation, but avoid using it when an average value is more appropriate. Using the phrase carefully ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at least

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym.

bare minimum

This alternative highlights the lowest acceptable standard.

as a minimum

This alternative rephrases the original while maintaining the same core meaning.

at the very least

This alternative adds emphasis to the minimum requirement.

at the lower end

This alternative focuses on the bottom range of a scale or estimate.

as a starting point

This alternative implies the beginning or baseline for further action or consideration.

to say the least

This alternative implies understatement and suggests there is more to consider.

if nothing else

This alternative indicates a fallback or minimal expectation.

leastways

This is an archaic or dialectal synonym for "at least".

in the slightest degree

This alternative emphasizes the very smallest amount or extent.

FAQs

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

Use "at the minimum" to express the lowest acceptable level or requirement. For example, "Applicants must have a bachelor's degree "at the minimum" to be considered for this position."

What phrases are similar to "at the minimum"?

Alternatives include "at least", "as a minimum", or "at the very least". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "at minimum" instead of "at the minimum"?

While "at minimum" might be encountered, ""at the minimum"" is generally preferred in formal writing for its grammatical correctness and clarity.

What is the difference between "at the minimum" and "ideally"?

"At the minimum" sets the lower bound of what is acceptable, while "ideally" describes the most desired or optimal outcome. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of possibilities.