less than the minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than the minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or value that falls below a specified minimum threshold. Example: "The temperature recorded last night was less than the minimum required for safe operation of the equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A warehouse of people paid less than the minimum wage?

The Guardian

Many farmers earn less than the minimum wage.

The New York Times

This is 10percentt less than the minimum hoped for.

The New York Times - Arts

Those who do overwhelmingly earn less than the minimum wage.

Independent

It simply outlaws jobs whose productive value is less than the minimum number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If no dose is reported, the total dose received was less than the minimum reported dose.

Princeton University

It also says the workers were paid less than the minimum wage.

The New York Times

They can therefore end up being paid less than the minimum wage.

The Guardian

It has been suggested they are worthy of working for less than the minimum wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often these workers are paid, illegally, less than the minimum wage, he said.

The New York Times

"If they are in work, then they are often paid less than the minimum wage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than the minimum", ensure you clearly state what standard or requirement is not being met. For example, "The funding received was less than the minimum amount required to complete the project."

Common error

Avoid using "less than the minimum" with uncountable nouns. For example, instead of saying "less than the minimum water", say "less water than the minimum required".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than the minimum" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier or as part of an adverbial phrase in sentences. It describes a state or condition where something is below a specific threshold. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than the minimum" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to indicate that something falls below a specified threshold. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and business, with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the minimum value or standard being referenced. Common errors involve misuse with uncountable nouns, so be mindful of grammatical correctness. As demonstrated by Ludwig, understanding its purpose, function, and stylistic appropriateness will help you use it effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below the minimum threshold

Specifies that a boundary is not reached.

under the minimum requirement

Highlights that a need has not been satisfied.

lower than the baseline

Compares to a starting point.

short of the minimum standard

Highlights that expectations are unmet.

falls beneath the minimum level

Emphasizes a downward movement from a target.

does not meet the minimum

Expresses failure to achieve a target or goal.

inferior to the minimum

Implies a judgment or value against requirements.

a fraction of the minimum

Underscores that a standard is unmet.

not up to the minimum

Highlights inadequacy against a stated standard.

deficient in the minimum quantity

Highlights lacking some ingredients.

FAQs

How can I use "less than the minimum" in a sentence?

You can use "less than the minimum" to indicate that a certain amount, quantity, or level is below the required or expected threshold. For example, "The salary offered was "below the minimum wage"."

What are some alternatives to saying "less than the minimum"?

Alternatives include phrases like "below the minimum threshold", "under the minimum requirement", or "short of the minimum standard". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "less than the minimum"?

It's appropriate when you need to express that something falls short of a specified lower limit or standard. This can apply to wages, quantities, levels, or other measurable criteria.

What's the difference between "less than the minimum" and "below the minimum"?

Both phrases are very similar. "Less than the minimum" explicitly uses the comparative "less than", while "below the minimum" is a more concise way of expressing the same idea, implying the comparison.