decreased to a minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreased to a minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity to the lowest possible level. Example: "The noise levels in the library have decreased to a minimum, allowing for a more conducive study environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

At high pH the EC50 decreased to a minimum value, and the cadmium species distribution was changed considerably.

Applied Water Science

For the selenized sample, the E g decreased to a minimum of 1.09 eV, which is very close to crystalline silicon.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In the steroid group, total serum calcium values decreased to a minimum of 8.96 ± 0.48 mg/dl 1 week after surgery.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

That N2O emission peak lasted for 30 min but quickly decreased to a minimum level, which was sustained during 120 h after watering.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

It started from 23.2% w/w at 6 h and then decreased to a minimum value of 9.3% w/w at 55.68 h.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

The coal wall spalling clearly appeared before ground pressure commenced, increasing to maximum with ground pressure, and decreased to a minimum after ground pressure disappeared.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In the South Atlantic up to latitude 40° S, the temperature first decreases to a minimum between 3,000 and 4,000 feet (900 and 1,200 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, for angle dependent current, it decreases to a minimum value and then increases with angle.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

With an increase of temperature, total emittance of the powdered sample decreases to a minimum value around 1200 K.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

Once the thermal efficiency decreases to a minimum acceptable level, cleaning of the equipment becomes necessary to restore the performance.

Energy

And the energy cost decreases to a minimum value then increases along with the increase of the net buoyancy.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decreased to a minimum", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being minimized and the factors influencing that reduction. Provide specific data or comparisons to illustrate the extent of the decrease.

Common error

Avoid using "decreased to a minimum" in contexts where a complete elimination is implied. The phrase suggests a reduction to the lowest possible level, not necessarily zero. For instance, "The budget was decreased to a minimum" implies it was reduced as much as possible but not eliminated entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreased to a minimum" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of a reduction process to its lowest possible extent. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in describing the reduction of quantifiable or measurable entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decreased to a minimum" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase, primarily in scientific and formal contexts. It describes a reduction to the lowest possible level, conveying a specific and quantifiable change. Ludwig highlights its acceptance and consistent usage across various academic and research domains. While effective, writers should ensure the context accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoid redundancy by omitting "level" when "minimum" sufficiently conveys the concept. Alternatives like "reduced to the lowest level" or "diminished to its nadir" offer stylistic variations while maintaining semantic similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced to the lowest level

Focuses on the action of reduction reaching its ultimate point, emphasizing the final state.

declined to the least possible

Highlights the declining trend and the attainment of the smallest achievable quantity.

diminished to its nadir

Emphasizes reaching the lowest point in a cycle or process, using a more sophisticated term.

hit rock bottom

An idiomatic expression indicating the lowest possible point, usually in a negative context.

reached its lowest ebb

Refers to the lowest point in a fluctuating condition, often used metaphorically.

bottomed out

Implies a cessation of decline after reaching the lowest point.

shrank to its smallest extent

Focuses on physical size or quantity diminishing to its absolute minimum.

fell to its lowest point

Highlights the action of falling and arriving at the minimum value.

tumbled to the floor

Describes a rapid decline to the bottom, often used metaphorically.

waned to nothing

Emphasizes a gradual decrease until virtually nothing remains.

FAQs

How can I use "decreased to a minimum" in a sentence?

You can use "decreased to a minimum" to describe a reduction to the lowest possible level. For example, "After the intervention, side effects "decreased to a minimum"" or "The company's expenses were "decreased to a minimum" to improve profitability".

What are some alternatives to "decreased to a minimum"?

Alternatives include "reduced to the lowest level", "declined to the least possible", or "diminished to its nadir". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Consider alternatives such as "reduced to the lowest level" or "declined to the least possible".

Is it correct to say "decreased to a minimum level"?

While not inherently incorrect, "decreased to a minimum level" can be redundant because "minimum" already implies the lowest possible level. Using just "decreased to a minimum" is often more concise and clearer.

What's the difference between "decreased to a minimum" and "eliminated"?

"Decreased to a minimum" means reduced to the lowest possible extent, whereas "eliminated" means completely removed or absent. If something is "decreased to a minimum", it still exists, albeit at a very low level. If it's eliminated, it no longer exists.