minimum amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimum amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying the least quantity or degree of something required or allowed. Example: "The minimum amount of water needed for the plant to thrive is two liters per week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The minimum amount of coverage will increase.

The New York Times - Health

§ 838.243 Minimum amount of awards.

Cornell University

The minimum amount of GPU RAM.

University of California, Berkeley

That's the minimum amount of clean water.

Yale University

You have to use a minimum amount of force.

The New Yorker

The minimum amount of annual paid vacation is five weeks.

Britannica

Minimum amount of referrals to the Department of Justice.

Cornell University

§ 1015.505 Minimum amount of referrals to the Department of Justice.

Cornell University

The girls warmed up with a minimum amount of prancing.

The New York Times - Sports

Efficiency was key, with people spending the minimum amount of time acquiring food.

The Guardian

The minimum amount of money you need to live is definitely more here.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minimum amount of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the amount refers to. For example, "the minimum amount of water" is more precise than just "minimum amount".

Common error

Avoid using "minimum amount of" without specifying the unit or item being measured. Saying "ensure you have the minimum amount" is less effective than "ensure you have the minimum amount of 2 liters of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimum amount of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun to specify the smallest acceptable quantity or degree of something. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimum amount of" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to specify the least acceptable or required quantity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely employed across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. To enhance clarity, always specify the unit or item being measured. Consider using alternatives like "least quantity of" or "bare minimum of" for nuanced meanings. Remember that while seemingly straightforward, precise usage ensures effective communication and avoids ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least quantity of

Focuses on the smallest measurable quantity rather than a general amount.

smallest quantity of

Emphasizes the diminutiveness of the quantity.

bare minimum of

Highlights that the amount is just sufficient and no more.

absolute minimum of

Stresses that the amount cannot be reduced further.

minimum level of

Refers to a standard or threshold rather than a specific quantity.

lowest limit of

Implies a boundary or restriction on how low something can go.

threshold of

Indicates a point that must be reached or exceeded.

required minimum of

Specifies that the amount is necessary or obligatory.

essential quantity of

Emphasizes the necessity of the amount for a specific purpose.

basic quantity of

Refers to a fundamental or necessary amount.

FAQs

How do you use "minimum amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "minimum amount of" to specify the least quantity needed or allowed for something. For example, "The recipe requires a "minimum amount of" sugar to be successful".

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

You can use alternatives like "least quantity of", "smallest quantity of", or "bare minimum of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the minimal amount of"?

While "minimal amount of" is similar in meaning to ""minimum amount of"", the latter is generally more common and emphasizes the least acceptable or required quantity. "Minimal" suggests a very small quantity, perhaps even smaller than the minimum required.

What's the difference between "minimum amount of" and "required amount of"?

"Minimum amount of" indicates the lowest acceptable quantity, while "required amount of" emphasizes that a specific quantity is necessary to achieve a certain outcome. They are often interchangeable but highlight different aspects.