least amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the smallest quantity or degree of something. Example: "To minimize costs, we need to find the least amount of resources required for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Hibernation uses the least amount of energy).

The New York Times - Tech

So, the least amount of fuel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

using the least amount of fuel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"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

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

The New York Times

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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, consider replacing "least amount of" with "minimum" or "least" followed by the noun. For example, instead of "the least amount of effort", use "minimum effort".

Common error

Avoid using "less" when referring to countable items. "Less" is for uncountable nouns, while "fewest" is for countable nouns. For example, say "the fewest number of errors", not "the less amount of errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least amount of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun, adjective, or verb. It indicates the minimum quantity or degree of something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least amount of" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to express the smallest quantity or degree of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its wide usage across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia showcases its adaptability. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to differentiate its use from "fewest number of" when referring to countable items. By considering context and aiming for precision, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to convey their intended meaning with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum quantity of

Emphasizes the minimal acceptable quantity rather than a general lack.

smallest quantity of

Focuses on the size of the quantity, highlighting its diminutive nature.

minimal degree of

Shifts the focus to the intensity or level, rather than a physical quantity.

lowest level of

Specifically denotes a position on a scale or hierarchy.

fewest number of

Implies a countable number that is less than any other.

reduced quantity of

Highlights a decrease in the amount, implying a comparison to a previous state.

negligible amount of

Stresses the insignificance of the quantity.

scant quantity of

Highlights the insufficiency or inadequacy of the amount.

limited extent of

Emphasizes the restriction or boundary of something.

diminished degree of

Suggests a weakening or reduction in intensity.

FAQs

How to use "least amount of" in a sentence?

Use "least amount of" to indicate the smallest quantity or degree of something. For example, "We need the "least amount of" water to grow these plants".

What can I say instead of "least amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "minimum quantity of", "smallest quantity of", or "minimal degree of" depending on the context.

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

"Least amount of" is generally used for uncountable nouns, while "fewest number of" is used for countable nouns. While "least amount of" is more versatile, "fewest number of" is more precise when referring to countable items.

Is there a difference between "least amount of" and "smallest quantity of"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "smallest quantity of" often emphasizes the physical size or measurable aspect of the quantity, while "least amount of" can refer to both measurable and abstract quantities.