at the minimum expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the minimum expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing cost-effective methods or strategies in various contexts, such as budgeting or project management. Example: "We aim to complete the project at the minimum expense while maintaining quality standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the meantime-which is likely to be a long time-most non-pros can buy the minimum card a camera manufacturer suggests, at the minimum expense, without suffering.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This greatly reduces installation costs and allows the implementation of the system in large areas at minimum expense.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It keeps some units busy at minimum expense to the government, units that might otherwise have to be demobilized and thrown into China's already large pool of unemployed.

Forbes

Active plant defense is finely regulated to survive adversity at a minimum expense to growth.

Plosone

However, we do not yet know the appropriate density of SNPs to discriminate all the recombination events in breeding populations at minimum expense.

Rice

Even if you buy a hat that is blocked, you can often open the crown and play with it, updating and expanding your wardrobe at minimum expense, Mr. Palacios said.

The New York Times

But prebuilt spaces can be spruced up with paint and new carpeting and re-leased at minimum expense, brokers say.

The New York Times

A little ash, at minimum expense, and a Wednesday, here and there, she said, becomes something to remember.

The New Yorker

In the present investigation, an attempt was made to isolate such strain from natural ecosystem which has ability to grow at higher temperature with minimum expense of simple sugar and higher percentage of melanoidin decolorization ability.

BMC Biotechnology

It pointed to the government's flagship policy a national rural employment guarantee scheme that promises 100 days' work at the minimum wage at the state's expense to every household in poor districts.

The Economist

25 Meanwhile, in the current study, we assessed only two scenarios: expenses and incomes related to one birth only, with the IVF success rate aiming at the minimum budget impact for the intervention financing; expenses and incomes related to IVF birth according to the current countries' data on multiple births and cycle success rate.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, consider using adverbs like "cheaply" or "economically" as succinct substitutes for the longer phrase "at the minimum expense".

Common error

Avoid substituting "minimal" for "minimum" in this phrase. While similar, "minimum" refers to the least permissible or possible amount, while "minimal" implies something is already very small. "At the minimal expense" is less precise than "at the minimum expense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the minimum expense" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the manner in which an action is performed, specifically focusing on cost-effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the minimum expense" serves to highlight efficiency and cost-consciousness in various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and usable, predominantly appearing in news, scientific, and general writing. While alternatives like "with minimal expenditure" or "cost-effectively" exist, each nuance affects formality and emphasis. Keep in mind that while "minimal" and "minimum" can seem interchangeable, "minimum" underlines a deliberate effort for utmost cost reduction. Therefore, by considering these factors, writers can make the most appropriate choice for their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the lowest possible cost

Emphasizes the aspect of achieving something with the absolute least amount of financial outlay.

with minimal expenditure

Focuses on reducing spending to the smallest amount necessary.

in the most economical way

Highlights the efficiency and resourcefulness of the approach.

cost-effectively

Simplifies the phrase into a single adverb emphasizing efficiency in relation to cost.

at a bargain price

Highlights that something is acquired with a particularly advantageous cost.

on a shoestring budget

Indicates operating with very limited financial resources.

with limited resources

Highlights the scarcity of financial resources used.

without breaking the bank

Emphasizes avoiding significant financial strain or overspending.

for next to nothing

Focuses on the very low cost of something, possibly suggesting it was almost free.

cheaply

Simplifies the phrase to an adverb suggesting a low price or cost.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at the minimum expense" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "with minimal expenditure", "at the lowest possible cost", or "in the most economical way".

Is it correct to say "at minimal expense" instead of "at the minimum expense"?

While "minimal expense" is a valid term, using "at the minimum expense" specifies achieving something with the least amount, potentially implying a deliberate effort to reduce costs as much as possible. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase to be grammatically correct and usable.

What's the difference between "at the minimum expense" and "on a shoestring budget"?

"At the minimum expense" generally refers to keeping specific costs down, while "on a shoestring budget" describes operating with very limited financial resources overall, implying broader frugality.

How do you ensure a project is completed "at the minimum expense"?

Strategies include careful budgeting, resource optimization, negotiating favorable rates with suppliers, and avoiding unnecessary features or scope creep.