least partial damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least partial damage" is not correct and may cause confusion in written English.
It seems to attempt to convey minimal damage, but the wording is awkward and unclear. Example: "The storm caused the least partial damage to the roof, allowing us to make quick repairs."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

An additional 946 residences sustained at least partial damage.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

These clinical findings are consistent with current neuroimaging evidence that suggests the possibility of at least partial structural and functional recovery from alcohol-related brain damage if abstinence is maintained.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

So it was good to see "Damages," during its terrifically plotted second season (which ended Wednesday), submit its heroine to a process of at least partial regendering.

The New York Times - Arts

"Let's see at least partial federalization".

The New York Times

It suggested at least partial cultural survival.

The New York Times - Science

Thanks to WikiLeaks, we have at least partial transparency today.

The Guardian - Opinion

All rooms have balconies and at least partial ocean views.

The New York Times

Energy conservation is another, at least partial, alternative.

The New York Times

Since then, some 18 European countries are now releasing at least partial data.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over 4,000 homes have been destroyed and 17,000 have suffered partial damage leaving thousands of Gazans homeless.

The Guardian - Opinion

I study, too, the shoveling techniques, which tell at least partial stories of who lives inside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "least partial damage" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more common alternatives like "minimal damage" or "slight damage" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Don't try to combine "least" with "partial" to indicate minimal impact. This can sound unnatural. Instead, select one word, such as "minimal" or "slight", to describe the extent of the damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least partial damage" functions as a description of the extent of damage. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's an awkward and not recommended way to express a small amount of damage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least partial damage" is a grammatically questionable and rarely used phrase intended to describe minimal damage. As Ludwig AI points out, its awkward construction makes it a less effective choice compared to simpler alternatives like "minimal damage" or "slight damage". While examples can be found in news and scientific sources, it is advisable to avoid this phrase in formal writing and opt for clearer, more common expressions to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal damage

Replaces "least partial damage" with a more concise and commonly used expression.

slight damage

Similar to "minimal damage" but emphasizes the small degree of damage.

minor damage

Indicates that the damage is not significant or severe.

limited damage

Highlights the restricted extent of the damage.

negligible damage

Suggests that the damage is so small it's almost not worth considering.

superficial damage

Implies the damage only affects the surface and is not deep or structural.

inconsequential damage

Indicates the damage has no important consequences.

virtually no damage

Emphasizes the near absence of any damage.

scarcely any damage

Similar to "virtually no damage", stressing the lack of significant harm.

marginal damage

Conveys that the damage is at the very edge of being noticeable or important.

FAQs

What does "least partial damage" mean?

The phrase "least partial damage" is an awkward way of saying minimal damage. It is not a common or recommended phrase to use in writing.

What are some alternatives to "least partial damage"?

Better alternatives include "minimal damage", "slight damage", or "minor damage". These are clearer and more commonly used.

Is "least partial damage" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "least partial damage" is considered awkward and unusual phrasing. It's best to use more direct and common alternatives.

In what contexts should I avoid using "least partial damage"?

Avoid using "least partial damage" in formal writing, business communication, or academic papers. Opt for clearer and more professional language such as "minimal damage" or "slight damage".