least quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the smallest amount of something in a specific context, such as measurements or requirements. Example: "The recipe calls for the least quantity of sugar to maintain the desired sweetness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is found that a five-impulse plan requires the least quantity of propellant, and a propellant-optimal minimum rendezvous duration exists for this long-duration, large non-coplanar rendezvous problem.

Advances in Space Research

The vermiculture as means of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that have negative impacts on the environment, although waste sector produces the least quantity of greenhouse gases (Roghaye 2012).

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

On a nutrition label, ingredients are listed in order of product composition, from greatest to least quantity.

Huffington Post

Lars R. Jorgenson who had conceived this concept had proved that the most economic design of the dam was obtained with an optimum opening angle of 133.6°, with the least quantity of concrete.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"These programs have netted Manpads in the past, in at least quantities in the low hundreds," he said.

The New York Times

Total flavonoid content of the seed and leaf extracts was recorded in least quantities in quercetin equivalents (QE) and in comparison to the total phenolics (Table 1).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Or at least a quantity we think we know.

The New York Times - Arts

That aside, there were other things to appreciate, not least the quantity of the content.

The Guardian

Russia's biggest toy store, just across the street, was interesting for many reasons, not least the quantity of authentic-looking toy guns for sale.

The New York Times - Travel

Coincidentally, it also ensured that each piece would be made from the least possible quantity of metal, giving it a very contemporary whiff of eco-responsibility.

The New York Times - Style

The first is a clear idea of the strategic aims it wants to pursue in Europe over time; the second is the battery of skills and resources to advance those aims in Brussels.The skills and resources question is one where Poland ought to have an advantage over the other accession countries, at least in quantity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least quantity", ensure it's clear what you are minimizing. Be specific about the units or context.

Common error

Avoid using "least quantity" when you actually mean "minimum requirement". "Least quantity" implies comparison, while "minimum requirement" sets a lower bound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least quantity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "least" modifies the noun "quantity". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It specifies the smallest amount of something, often in comparison to other amounts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least quantity" is a grammatically sound term used to denote the smallest amount of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across diverse fields, including science, news, and general knowledge, though it's most prevalent in scientific contexts. While alternatives like "minimum amount" and "smallest quantity" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "least quantity", ensure clarity by specifying what is being minimized and why. Remember that "least quantity" implies a comparative aspect, unlike "minimum requirement", which sets a lower limit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum amount

Replaces "quantity" with the more general term "amount", emphasizing the minimum required.

smallest quantity

Synonymous with "least quantity", directly focusing on the minimal amount.

minimal amount

Similar to "minimum amount", emphasizing the smallness of the quantity.

lowest quantity

Replaces "least" with "lowest", maintaining the focus on the smallest value.

tiniest amount

Uses "tiniest" for emphasis on extreme smallness.

bare minimum

Focuses on achieving the absolute lowest acceptable level.

negligible quantity

Implies the quantity is so small it's almost not worth considering.

scant quantity

Highlights the insufficiency of the quantity.

minimum dosage

Specifically refers to the smallest effective dose, often in medical contexts.

smallest degree

Shifts focus to degree rather than quantity, but still emphasizing minimization.

FAQs

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

You can use "least quantity" to indicate the smallest amount of something needed or present. For example, "The recipe calls for the "least quantity" of sugar possible to maintain sweetness."

What's a good alternative to "least quantity"?

Alternatives include "minimum amount", "smallest quantity", or "minimal amount", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "least quantity"?

While grammatically correct, "least quantity" is best used when comparing amounts or setting a minimum threshold. If you're simply stating a requirement, "minimum amount" might be more suitable.

How does "least quantity" differ from "minimum quantity"?

"Least quantity" often implies a comparison or optimization, whereas "minimum quantity" sets a baseline requirement. For instance, you might aim for the "least quantity" of waste while still meeting the "minimum quantity" of production.