minimal contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

"minimal contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to discuss the lack of a significant or meaningful contribution. For example, "I am concerned that our team is making a minimal contribution to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After the debate, Mr. Eichenbaum identified the Philip Morris executive as David Dangoor, an executive vice president who he said had contributed $50, a minimal contribution by today's standards, to Mr. Green's campaign in 1993.

The New York Times

But this claim was dismissed by the judge who perceived the journals as offering "minimal" contribution to public debate.

The Guardian

Hashimoto, D. et al. Tissue resident macrophages self-maintain locally throughout adult life with minimal contribution from circulating monocytes.

Nature

Non-coding mutations in exome-positive probands and poorly evolutionarily conserved sites make a minimal contribution to severe developmental disorders.

Nature

Using the courthouse mainly for government office space, the study said, "provides minimal contribution to public good and does not integrate well with the architectural fabric".

The New York Times

And because they are modest to begin with, they can make only a minimal contribution to America's long-term energy needs.

The New York Times

The goal, the students say, is to protest what they see as Google's minimal contribution to the British treasury.

The New York Times

Northwestern managed to pull out the critical win despite minimal contribution from Shurna, the Big Ten's leader in points.

The New York Times

Average probing depth in the total electron yield XAS detection mode was estimated to be approximately 5 nm, providing interface-sensitive information with minimal contribution from surface adsorbates.

Nature

They also found that a blanket used to cover Burrell's face had a "more than minimal" contribution to his death and should have been removed.

The Guardian

Frequency of cancer cells with mutations in 22 known melanoma drivers remains relatively constant over time, suggesting minimal contribution to CPB escape13 (Supplementary Fig. 2).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minimal contribution" when you want to downplay the importance of something without completely dismissing it. It suggests the item has some role but not a major one.

Common error

Avoid using "minimal contribution" when there is absolutely no contribution at all. The phrase implies there is some input, however small. If there is no contribution, use phrases like "no contribution" or "zero contribution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal contribution" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "minimal" modifies the noun "contribution". It describes something providing a negligible or small part to a larger effort, outcome, or process, and it agrees with Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimal contribution" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe something having a small or insignificant impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts, and while suitable for formal settings, it maintains a relatively neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what the contribution is minimal relative to, and avoid using it when there is absolutely no contribution at all. Remember, the goal is to accurately represent the level of impact, and "minimal contribution" is ideal for situations where there is some input, however small.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligible impact

Focuses on the impact being almost nonexistent.

insignificant input

Emphasizes the unimportance of the input provided.

slight effect

Highlights that the effect is small and barely noticeable.

small part

Indicates that the contribution is only a small portion of the whole.

modest role

Suggests the role played is humble and limited.

limited influence

Highlights that the influence is restricted and not widespread.

minor involvement

Focuses on the level of participation being low.

token gesture

Implies the action is symbolic with little real effect.

peripheral role

Suggests a role that is not central or essential.

nominal influence

Indicates that the influence is only in name and not in reality.

FAQs

How can I use "minimal contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "minimal contribution" to describe something that has a small or insignificant impact. For example, "The new policy had a "minimal contribution" to reducing crime rates."

What is a synonym for "minimal contribution"?

Synonyms for "minimal contribution" include "negligible impact", "insignificant input", and "slight effect".

What's the difference between "minimal contribution" and "no contribution"?

"Minimal contribution" implies there was some input, however small, while "no contribution" means there was absolutely no input or impact at all.

Is "minimal contribution" formal or informal?

"Minimal contribution" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.