basic minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "basic minimum" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it to describe the lowest allowable level of something. For example, "The company has lowered the basic minimum wage for employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is the basic minimum," he said.

The Guardian

So the basic minimum is much more important to them.

The New York Times

That felt like the basic minimum I had to do.

The Guardian

Would the state crowd out charity, or must a basic minimum be a condition of citizenship?

The Guardian - Opinion

True pianissimos were rare, and the basic minimum dynamic seemed to be mezzo forte.

The New York Times - Arts

"When it comes to basic minimum labor standards, this industry is a disgrace," Ms. Smith said.

The New York Times

The constitution reflects the current attempt to redefine NHS care into a basic minimum package.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Tips are meant as a bonus, not a tool to boost pay to the basic minimum.

The Guardian

Here's where I'll really step up: we need some basic minimum performance requirements.

The New York Times

Isn't the core issue whether every citizen is entitled to some basic minimum of insurance and access to affordable care?

The New Yorker

"This is about whether the government is conducting itself according to the basic minimum standards of civilization".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting standards, use "basic minimum" to clearly define the lower threshold of acceptability or compliance, ensuring everyone understands the fundamental requirements. For example, "The "basic minimum" security standards must be implemented immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "basic minimum" when a single word like "minimum" or "basic" suffices. Redundancy can weaken your message, so choose the most concise and appropriate term. Using both may suggest setting two different unrelated criteria, creating confusion. Prefer "minimum standards" or "basic requirements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic minimum" functions as a modifier, usually preceding a noun to specify the lowest acceptable level or standard. Ludwig AI’s analysis confirms its use in setting fundamental requirements across various contexts, ranging from labor standards to system configurations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic minimum" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression, predominantly employed to set clear, fundamental lower limits or standards across varied contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives such as "bare minimum" or "minimum requirement" exist, "basic minimum" emphasizes the essential nature of the requirement. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy, choosing the most concise term to strengthen the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum requirement

A more formal and direct way of stating the minimum needed.

bare minimum

Highlights the idea of meeting only the essential requirements, often implying it's not ideal.

essential minimum

Focuses on the necessity of the minimum, stressing its importance.

fundamental minimum

Implies the minimum is a foundational requirement.

absolute lowest

Emphasizes the bottom-most level, implying nothing less is acceptable.

lowest acceptable

Focuses on the acceptability of the minimum level, implying it's just good enough.

indispensable minimum

Emphasizes that the minimum is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

base level

Implies a starting point or foundation that must be met.

least possible

Highlights the smallness of the minimum requirement.

rock bottom

Suggests the very lowest point or level, often in a negative context.

FAQs

How is the phrase "basic minimum" used in formal writing?

In formal writing, "basic minimum" serves to define a clear lower boundary for requirements, standards, or expectations, ensuring no ambiguity in essential criteria. It's often used in contexts such as regulations, guidelines, and contracts.

What are some alternatives to "basic minimum"?

Alternatives to "basic minimum" include "bare minimum", "minimum requirement", or "essential minimum", which can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "basic minimum" redundant?

While "basic" and "minimum" can sometimes overlap in meaning, using "basic minimum" can emphasize the fundamental and essential nature of a requirement, differentiating it from higher or more complex standards.

How do I determine the "basic minimum" for a specific task?

To determine the "basic minimum", identify the essential components or actions needed for successful completion. This involves assessing what is absolutely necessary versus what is optional or supplementary.