least payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to finance or transactions, typically referring to the minimum amount that must be paid. Example: "To avoid penalties, make sure to submit at least the least payment by the due date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Negotiators for the companies told Mr. Feinberg that their top people needed big cash salaries, or at least payment in stock that could be sold right away.

The New York Times

The documents also suggest that demands for bribes, or at least payment to suspicious intermediaries who offer to serve as "agents," still take place.

The New York Times

She says Nish suggested she retire to the bedroom of one of the producers, which she interpreted as sex for payment, or at least payment in kind.

The Guardian

Big modern construction companies are less concerned with building well themselves, than with organising sub-contractors to do the actual work, and pushing them as hard as possible to do the most for least payment.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was all free – or at least payment-optional — and the crowds at most were post-grad to graying.

The New York Times

You should select the option with the least payments and lowest interest rates.

WikiHow

Inactive claims were defined as no active payments made in the last 6 months, but at least one payment made within 7 to 24 months prior to being surveyed.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

And approach the provider about a possible discount or at least a payment plan.

The New York Times

At least the payment is made eventually, I guess you could suggest.

Independent

Use of a private database would be banned-or at least require payment to the database owner.

MIT Technology Review

The mortgage bankers' group defines its broadest delinquency category as those who have missed at least one payment but are not yet in foreclosure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial obligations, clarify if you mean the "least payment" required to avoid penalties or the "least payment" possible under a specific arrangement.

Common error

Avoid using "least payment" when you specifically mean the minimum amount required by a creditor to keep an account in good standing. "Minimum payment" is the standard term in that context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least payment" functions as a noun phrase, typically modifying another noun or verb to describe the smallest acceptable amount in a transaction or financial agreement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it generally refers to the minimum amount that must be paid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least payment" is grammatically sound and generally refers to the smallest amount payable in a transaction or agreement. While acceptable, it is often superseded by the more common "minimum payment", especially in financial contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the term is correct and usable in written English, typically referring to the minimum amount that must be paid. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by science and wiki sources, exhibiting a neutral tone. Related phrases include "minimum payment", "lowest payment", and "smallest payment". Use "minimum payment" when discussing specific required amounts to maintain accounts, and clarify the exact meaning when using "least payment" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum payment

Replaces "least" with "minimum", emphasizing the lowest acceptable payment amount.

minimum amount due

Specifies the amount that is the least acceptable for payment.

lowest payment

Uses "lowest" instead of "least", highlighting the absolute smallest payment.

smallest payment

Similar to "lowest payment", but uses "smallest" for emphasis.

reduced payment

Implies a decrease in the payment amount, not necessarily the absolute minimum.

partial payment

Refers to paying only a portion of the full amount due.

initial payment

Focuses on the first payment made, usually at the start of a payment plan.

base payment

Refers to the standard or starting payment amount.

basic payment

A simple payment covering core costs, generally referring to public services payments.

entry payment

Indicates the initial expense for accessing a product or service.

FAQs

What is the difference between "least payment" and "minimum payment"?

"Least payment" generally refers to the smallest possible amount to pay in a given situation. "Minimum payment" usually refers to the smallest amount required to be paid on a credit account to keep it in good standing.

How can I use "least payment" in a sentence?

You can use "least payment" in sentences like: "What's the "least payment" I can make without incurring a late fee?" or "They were pushing them as hard as possible to do the most for "least payment".

What are some alternatives to "least payment"?

Some alternatives to "least payment" include "minimum payment", "lowest payment", or "smallest payment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "least payment" grammatically correct?

Yes, "least payment" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, in some contexts, "minimum payment" might be a more commonly used and easily understood term.