least amount of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least amount of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the minimum quantity of material required for a specific purpose or task. Example: "To achieve the desired results, we need to use the least amount of material possible to minimize waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Shahade lost the least amount of material, but after 27 Qe5 Benjamin enjoyed a decisive one-pawn superiority.

The New York Times

Long-span bridge design, he explained, emphasizes efficiency, using the least amount of material to do the job.

The New York Times

If you want to make a secure container using the least amount of material, Dr. Liebovitch said, make that container round.

The New York Times - Science

"We thought, why not make the biggest volume possible with the least amount of material instead?" Nestled among eucalyptus trees on the bluffs above the ocean in Los Angeles' well-heeled Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, the result is an impossibly paper-thin pair of boxes – and it's still as startling today as when Architectural Forum published the project in 1950.

The Guardian - Arts

"Next to a bathing suit, it's the least amount of material in my wardrobe that I can wear and get away with in public," said Ms. Weller, who buys a new pair every year, to add to her current collection of six.

The New York Times

"Topological optimisation", as the process is known, uses complex algorithms to conjure up a shape that best satisfies a set of structural constraints: it fits into a prescribed space; makes allowances for movement; withstands expected loads; and does all this using the least amount of material.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To me, lean manufacturing is all about finding the most efficient ways of doing things, with the least amount of materials and waste".

The Guardian

"In a case like food packaging, especially condiment packaging," said Richard Denison, a senior scientist at Environmental Defense, an advocacy group in Washington, "using the least amount of materials is really the optimal approach".

The New York Times

The hand drill method is the most primitive and difficult method, but requires the least amount of materials.

WikiHow

Also, the Optimal Criteria (OC) method is employed to deploy the least amount of FRP material.

Engineering Structures

Adriaenssens' approach is to produce a dome shaped grid for the sun shade that works with surrounding climatic conditions and uses the least amount of building material possible.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for sustainability, use "least amount of material" to emphasize minimizing waste and environmental impact in design and production processes.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on cost reduction when aiming to use the "least amount of material". Consider the impact on quality, durability, and overall performance. A truly efficient approach balances minimal material use with optimal functionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least amount of material" functions as a noun phrase often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the minimum quantity of a substance needed or used for a specific purpose. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least amount of material" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood expression used to emphasize efficiency and waste reduction. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, often highlighting efforts to minimize waste in design and manufacturing. Related phrases include "minimal quantity of material" and "minimum amount of material", which offer similar semantic meaning. When using this phrase, it's crucial to balance cost savings with quality and performance considerations. While its register is generally neutral, it is particularly relevant in discussions around sustainability and resource management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal quantity of material

Replaces "least amount" with "minimal quantity", focusing on the absolute smallest quantity.

minimum amount of material

Uses "minimum amount", which is a direct synonym for "least amount".

smallest quantity of material

Emphasizes the size of the quantity rather than the amount.

reduced quantity of material

Focuses on the action of reducing the amount of material.

optimized material usage

Highlights the efficiency of material usage rather than the quantity itself.

economical material consumption

Emphasizes cost-effectiveness and responsible usage.

thrifty material allocation

Highlights careful and sparing use of material.

spare use of material

Focuses on using only what is essential.

judicious material application

Highlights the careful and thoughtful application of material.

efficient material utilization

Focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of the material used.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "least amount of material" in a sentence?

You can use phrases like "minimal quantity of material", "minimum amount of material", or "smallest quantity of material" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "minimal quantity of material" and "least amount of material"?

While very similar, "minimal quantity of material" often emphasizes the effort to reduce it to an absolute minimum, whereas "least amount of material" simply refers to the smallest possible quantity.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "least amount of material"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts discussing efficiency, sustainability, design, and manufacturing, where the goal is to reduce waste and resource consumption.

Is "least amount of material" grammatically correct?

Yes, "least amount of material" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing.