least amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"least amount" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the smallest or minimum quantity of something. Example: "She wanted to spend the least amount of money possible on her new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

using the least amount of fuel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, the least amount of fuel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Hibernation uses the least amount of energy).

The New York Times - Tech

"This one has the least amount of reflection," Sather said.

The New York Times - Sports

Who works the least amount of hours each week?

The New York Times

But they have the least amount of vetting.

Stanford University

Transverse recordings showed the least amount of variability.

Seminars in Orthodontics

Results: The control teeth had the least amount of resorption.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

The new flowsheet consumes the least amount of raw materials and produces the least amount of discharged gas as waste.

Applied Thermal Engineering

A. In a sense, yes: the least amount of throws.

The New York Times

It's also the one with the least amount of competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, use "least amount" to clearly denote the minimal quantity required or desired. For example, "Use the "least amount" of water to cook the rice."

Common error

Avoid using "least amount" with countable nouns. Instead, use "fewest number". For example, instead of saying "He made the least amount of mistakes", say "He made the fewest number of mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least amount" primarily functions as a determiner phrase specifying the minimum quantity of something, often used with non-countable nouns. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a valid and commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the smallest quantity or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and versatile phrase suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it serves to express the minimization of a quantity, often for efficiency or economy. While generally correct, ensure its use with non-countable nouns and opt for "fewest number" with countable nouns. Alternative phrases include "minimum quantity" and "smallest quantity". Use "least amount" to ensure clarity and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum quantity

Emphasizes the quantifiable aspect of something being at its lowest.

smallest quantity

Highlights the size or magnitude of the amount.

minimal extent

Focuses on the degree or scope of something being reduced to its lowest level.

smallest degree

Similar to 'minimal extent' but puts emphasis on the degree.

bare minimum

Implies reducing something to the absolute essentials.

rock bottom

Suggests a point that cannot go any lower, often used metaphorically.

utterly negligible

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

virtually none

Indicates the amount is so small it's almost nonexistent.

tiniest fraction

Implies a very small part of a whole.

negligible quantity

Highlights the insignificance of the amount.

FAQs

How do I use "least amount" in a sentence?

Use "least amount" to indicate the smallest quantity of something, particularly with non-countable nouns. For example, "Use the "least amount" of sugar possible" or "She wants to spend the "least amount" of time on this task."

What's a good alternative to "least amount"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "minimum quantity", "smallest quantity", or "minimal extent".

Which is correct: "least amount of" or "fewest amount of"?

"Least amount of" is generally used with non-countable nouns, while "fewest number of" is used with countable nouns. For example, "least amount of water" versus "fewest number of apples".

When should I use "least" vs "fewest"?

Use "least" with non-countable nouns (e.g., "least amount of effort") and "fewest" with countable nouns (e.g., "fewest number of errors").