kept to a minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept to a minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a restriction or limitation on something. For example, "We have tried to keep our expenses to a minimum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And protuberances are kept to a minimum.

The Economist

Investment constraints are kept to a minimum.

The Economist

Paperwork is kept to a minimum.

The Economist

Mathematical formulae are kept to a minimum.

Cirugía Española

Narration is kept to a minimum.

The New York Times

Services are kept to a minimum.

The Guardian - Arts

Anthropomorphic cuteness is kept to a minimum.

The New York Times

Furniture, too, was kept to a minimum.

The New York Times

Action is kept to a minimum.

The New York Times - Arts

Road riding is kept to a minimum.

The Guardian - Travel

Noise was kept to a minimum while in the lab.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept to a minimum", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being minimized and why. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kept to a minimum" without specifying what you are minimizing. Be specific to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Effort was kept to a minimum", specify "Administrative effort was kept to a minimum".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept to a minimum" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or action. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying things like "noise", "errors", or "inaccuracies".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept to a minimum" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe efforts to reduce or limit something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, from News & Media to academic and scientific writing. Its purpose is to convey that actions have been taken to control or mitigate something undesirable. To use it effectively, always specify what is being minimized to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "reduced as much as possible" or "limited to the greatest extent" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced as much as possible

Emphasizes the action of reducing something to its lowest achievable level.

limited to the greatest extent

Highlights the boundary or constraint imposed on something.

minimized to the fullest degree

Focuses on the act of minimizing something, suggesting a careful and thorough approach.

held at the lowest level

Suggests maintaining something at a consistently low point.

curtailed to the uttermost

Implies a sharp and decisive reduction.

reigned in as far as feasible

Focuses on controlling or restraining something within practical limits.

kept under tight control

Emphasizes strict management and restriction.

narrowed down considerably

Suggests a significant reduction in scope or quantity.

pared down substantially

Implies a systematic removal of unnecessary elements.

brought down significantly

Focuses on lowering something to a notably smaller amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept to a minimum" to describe efforts to reduce something. For example, "We have "reduced as much as possible" the environmental impact of our operations" or "The goal is to ensure that risks are "held at the lowest level"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "kept to a minimum"?

Alternatives include "reduced as much as possible", "limited to the greatest extent", or "minimized to the fullest degree". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "keep to a minimum" or "kept to a minimum"?

"Keep to a minimum" is the infinitive form, used for instructions or general statements. "Kept to a minimum" is the past participle, used to describe something that has already been minimized or is being maintained at a low level.

What is the difference between "kept to a minimum" and "minimized"?

"Minimized" is a single verb that means to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree. "Kept to a minimum" is a phrase that describes the ongoing effort to maintain something at the lowest possible level. They are largely interchangeable, but "kept to a minimum" emphasizes the continuous aspect of the effort.