minimal amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimal amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least quantity or degree of something that is necessary or acceptable. Example: "The project requires a minimal amount of resources to get started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A minimal amount of cartilage is needed.

The New York Times - Science

We need a minimal amount of time.

The New York Times

Retitled Cage, this version contains a minimal amount of text.

The Guardian

"In a minimal amount of minutes, he gets a maximum amount of production".

The New York Times - Sports

But a minimal amount of vetting should have clued the teams into Allianz's past.

The New York Times - Sports

26 letters, 26 dishes, a minimal amount of cheating, and I'm done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We just buy well, prepare with care, and cook with a minimal amount of intrusion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(JP Morgan owns a minimal amount of Detroit's debt, so the payoff wouldn't be just financial).

The Guardian - Opinion

Officials presented a minimal amount of evidence, lacking the full details of the traders' misconduct.

The Guardian - Business

3.02pm BST Hamilton does a minimal amount of champers spraying, nowhere near the direction of Rosberg.

The Guardian - Sport

Murdoch's critics often complain about the minimal amount of tax his UK subsidiary pays.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, quantify "minimal amount of" whenever possible (e.g., "minimal amount of 5mg daily"). This adds clarity and reduces ambiguity.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "little" or "small" for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal amount of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is present in a small or insignificant quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minimal amount of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a small or insignificant quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal writing. While alternatives like "small quantity of" or "negligible amount of" exist, "minimal amount of" retains its utility for precisely indicating the least acceptable or necessary quantity, advising writers to favor simpler terms in informal conversation to maintain a natural tone. Be aware that quantifying the phrase adds clarity in writing and that the phrase "the bare minimal amount of" is redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least quantity of

Emphasizes the absolute smallest quantity possible.

small quantity of

Focuses on the quantity being small rather than the idea of being the least possible.

slight amount of

Highlights that the amount is barely noticeable.

negligible amount of

Indicates the quantity is so small it can be ignored.

limited quantity of

Emphasizes the restriction on the amount available.

modest amount of

Suggests a humble or restrained quantity.

inconsiderable amount of

Stresses the insignificance of the quantity.

trace amount of

Implies an extremely small, almost undetectable quantity.

reduced amount of

Highlights a decrease or lessening of the original amount.

lower limit of

Specifies the bottom threshold or boundary of something.

FAQs

How to use "minimal amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "minimal amount of" to describe the smallest quantity or degree of something that is necessary or acceptable. For example: "The recipe requires a "minimal amount of" salt."

What can I say instead of "minimal amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "small quantity of", "limited quantity of", or "negligible amount of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "minimal amount of" or "minimum amount of"?

Both "minimal amount of" and "minimum amount of" are generally correct and interchangeable. However, "minimal" often implies the least amount possible or necessary, while "minimum" simply refers to the lowest acceptable quantity.

Is it redundant to say "the bare minimal amount of"?

Yes, using "the bare minimal amount of" is generally considered redundant. "Minimal" already implies the smallest or least possible, so adding "bare" is unnecessary. Simply use ""minimal amount of"".