minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means the lowest or smallest amount (or number) possible. Example: The minimum acceptable grade for this class is a C.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is regrettable when homes need to be demolished, but Annington's decision to redevelop the estate will see an increase in the number of homes by more than 100%, from 142 to 288, and the inclusion of 20% affordable homes will see a minimum of 59 created where there were none before.

The Guardian

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The Guardian

Congress is currently considering a bill increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 over the next three years.

The Economist

The federal minimum wage is $7.25.

The New York Times

Nearly 1.9m Australians are affected by the minimum wage and the award minimum wage.

The Guardian

Calculating that two in three of 1.4 million "frontline" care workers in the UK are paid below the living wage, it reckons it would cost a cool £2.3bn a year to bring them all up to that level – not counting £142m needed to end non-compliance with the minimum wage.

The Guardian

David Cameron will doubtless depart from his political career next month with the bare minimum of a few lucrative company directorships and a kiss-and-tell book deal, so long as that police horse, Raisa and the lamb he cuddled at Easter can be persuaded to ditch their own competing publications, both currently being ghostwritten from audiotapes by the Financial Times's Ben Thompson.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even as polls show the former secretary of state trouncing other Democratic contenders in a hypothetical primary, O'Malley has begun citing differences between him and Clinton on issues such as the minimum wage, social security benefits and a major trade deal brokered by the Obama administration that has irked progressives.

The Guardian

If we raise the minimum wage often, then we will soon be having $20 fried chicken".

The Guardian - Business

" The judge told Wright he was required by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to determine whether life imprisonment, the only sentence for murder, should mean life or whether he should fix a minimum term.

The Guardian

And, even more than usual, please keep books spoilers to a minimum.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a "minimum" requirement, clearly state the units or context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "a minimum of 5 years of experience" is clearer than simply "minimum experience".

Common error

Ensure you're using "minimum" when you intend the lowest acceptable limit, not the highest. Using "minimum" in place of "maximum" can completely reverse the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "minimum" functions primarily as an adjective and occasionally as a noun. As an adjective, it modifies nouns to indicate the lowest limit or smallest amount. Examples from Ludwig AI show it used to describe things such as "minimum wage" or "minimum term". As a noun it indicates the lowest acceptable limit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "minimum" is a versatile term predominantly used as an adjective to denote the lowest limit or smallest acceptable amount. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, notably in news, business, and travel. While "minimum" commonly functions as an adjective, it can also serve as a noun. Related terms include "lowest possible", "least amount", and "bare minimum", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "minimum", clarity is key; always specify the units or context to avoid ambiguity. A common mistake is confusing "minimum" with "maximum", which can completely reverse the intended meaning. As showcased by Ludwig, "minimum" is an integral part of both formal and informal communication, making its correct application essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lowest possible

Emphasizes the absolute lowest end of a scale or range, focusing on possibility rather than a set limit.

least amount

Focuses on the quantity being the smallest, emphasizing scarcity or reduction.

bare minimum

Highlights that the amount is just sufficient and nothing more, suggesting a sense of barely meeting requirements.

rock bottom

Indicates the lowest point or level, often used in negative or critical situations.

floor level

Refers to the lowest acceptable level, often used in discussions of standards or requirements.

lower bound

A more formal term indicating the smallest value a variable or set can have.

threshold

The lowest level or point at which something becomes noticeable or causes an effect.

base level

Indicates a foundational or starting point, often in reference to skills or knowledge.

bottom line

While often used to mean the final result, it can also refer to the essential minimum requirement.

absolute bottom

Emphasizes the definitive lowest position, suggesting no possibility of being lower.

FAQs

How to use "minimum" in a sentence?

You can use "minimum" to describe the lowest acceptable limit or amount, such as "We require a "minimum of two years" of experience" or "Please keep noise to a "minimum level"".

What's the difference between "minimum" and "minimal"?

"Minimum" refers to the lowest quantity or degree achievable or required, while "minimal" means very small or slight. For example, "the "minimum wage"" vs "a "minimal impact"".

What can I say instead of "minimum"?

Alternatives include "lowest possible", "least amount", or "bare minimum" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at a minimum"?

Yes, "at a minimum" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It means "at the very least" or "as the smallest possible amount", such as "We need three staff members on duty at a "minimum at all times"".