minimal cost

USAGE SUMMARY

"minimal cost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the least expensive option or the amount of money one has to pay for a service or product. For example, "The company offers this product at a minimal cost of $50."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"These resolutions help contain those risks at minimal cost.

The Guardian

Minimal cost, maximal enjoyment, and some education along the way.

The Guardian

Very tasty beer at minimal cost, but still not as good as I remember my dad's.

The Guardian - Money

Manufacturers bought decommissioned steel mills from the West at minimal cost and reassembled them in China.

The New Yorker

Builders and hardware suppliers need to understand how to improve comfort at minimal cost.

The New York Times

It would certainly change the geographical mix at minimal cost and effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Dean regulated his own status in Brazil in one week at minimal cost.

The Guardian

ACOs, despite their strong advocates, have produced minimal cost savings (0.1%).

Harvard Business Review

"That's very minimal cost and it has many benefits beyond reduction of fraud.

The Guardian

Thus tailshaker muscle is an example of sound-producing muscle designed for 'high frequency, minimal cost'.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Minimal cost-of-living increases favor corporations, while low interest rates make money cheaper to the financial sector.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, quantify "minimal cost" with specific figures or metrics to enhance clarity. For example, 'The implementation of this system resulted in a "minimal cost" increase of only 2%.'

Common error

Be cautious about exaggerating how "minimal" the cost truly is, as this can lead to mistrust if the actual expenses exceed initial estimates. Ground your claims in realistic data and acknowledge potential contingencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal cost" functions as a noun phrase that commonly acts as an adjective modifying another noun. It typically quantifies or describes the expense associated with a service, product, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimal cost" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that requires very little expense. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", indicating its relevance in discussions about budget efficiency and resource management. When using "minimal cost", ensure the cost is genuinely low to maintain credibility, and where possible, quantify the cost for increased precision. Consider alternatives like "low cost" or "cost-effective" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low cost

Replaces "minimal" with "low", indicating a generally inexpensive option.

low price

Focuses specifically on the price being low, rather than overall cost.

affordable price

Highlights the affordability of the cost, emphasizing accessibility.

cost-effective

Emphasizes the value received for the amount spent, implying good value for money.

inexpensive

A simple synonym indicating something doesn't cost much.

budget-friendly

Indicates that the cost is suitable for people on a budget.

economical

Suggests efficient use of resources, implying lower expenses.

at a bargain price

Highlights that something is being sold or offered at an unusually low price.

cut-rate

Implies a significantly reduced cost, possibly suggesting lower quality.

cheap

Directly indicates low cost, but can sometimes imply lower quality.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "minimal cost" in a sentence?

You can use "minimal cost" to describe actions, services, or products that require very little expense. For example, "Implementing this new software requires only a "minimal cost" investment".

What are some alternatives to "minimal cost"?

Alternatives to "minimal cost" include "low cost", "affordable price", or "cost-effective". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "minimal cost" or "minimum cost"?

"Minimal cost" usually implies the lowest possible expense in a practical sense, while "minimum cost" refers to the absolute lowest possible cost, often in a theoretical or technical context. They are often used interchangeably, but "minimal" is more common in general usage.

What does it mean when something is described as having a "minimal cost"?

When something has a "minimal cost", it means that the expense associated with it is very low or insignificant. This is desirable when trying to maximize efficiency or reduce spending.