least money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least money" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing the minimum amount of money required or spent in a particular context, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "To complete the project, we need to find a way to spend the least money possible."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The least money?

The New York Times

Which funds have lost the least money?

The Times

In baseball at least, money can't buy everything.

Independent

Least money spent per vote: Kevin de Leon.

The Washington Post

Fortunately, Luckey has time – or at least money.

The Guardian - Tech

On this day, at least, money was still flowing into offshore wind.

The New York Times

Here's how to get the most vitamin for the least money.

The New York Times - Health

And that's truest for those who making the least money and holding the fewest skills.

The Washington Post

But there are some daunting elements to raising six children, not least money.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The families with the least money lived in the less desirable apartments.

The New York Times

Their aim is to get the greatest number of young people in and out for the least money and trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial constraints or cost-effectiveness, use "least money" to emphasize minimizing expenditure. For instance, in project management, aim to "complete tasks for the least money" while maintaining quality.

Common error

Avoid using "least money" in formal business reports where more precise terms like "minimal budget" or "lowest cost" may be more suitable to convey professionalism and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least money" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically to indicate the minimum amount of funds required or spent. As noted by Ludwig AI, it can sound awkward and it is better to use more standard expressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least money" is a commonly used expression to indicate the smallest amount of funds, often in the context of minimizing costs. While generally acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests it can sometimes sound awkward, recommending more precise terms for formal contexts. It appears frequently in news and media, and academic writing. When aiming for professional clarity, consider alternatives like "minimal budget" or "lowest cost". It's important to be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate and effective communication. While grammatically correct, the choice of using “least money” should align with the formality and precision required by the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum funds

Emphasizes the lowest acceptable amount of financial resources available.

smallest budget

Focuses on the financial plan with the lowest expenditure.

lowest cost

Highlights the price aspect, referring to the cheapest option.

minimal expenditure

Stresses the act of spending as little as possible.

tiniest investment

Highlights that only small portion of investment is considered.

cheapest option

Implies selecting the most affordable choice among alternatives.

slimmest resources

Focuses on the limited availability of financial means.

bottom dollar

Indicates the absolute lowest amount of money one is willing to accept.

rock-bottom price

Highlights the extreme lowness of the cost involved.

bare minimum

Emphasizes reducing costs to the absolute essential level.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "least money" in a formal context?

In formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "minimal budget", "lowest cost", or "minimum expenditure" for greater precision and professionalism.

What's a simple way to explain the meaning of "least money"?

The phrase "least money" simply means the smallest amount of money possible, often used when trying to reduce expenses or find the cheapest option.

Is it grammatically correct to use "least money" in a sentence?

While generally acceptable, "least money" can sound awkward in some contexts. Ensure the sentence is clear and that a more formal term isn't more appropriate.

Which situations are most suitable for using "least money"?

The phrase "least money" is suitable in informal discussions, budget planning, or when emphasizing cost-effectiveness. Consider using more precise terminology in formal reports.