minimum outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimum outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the least amount of money or resources required for a particular investment or project. Example: "To start the project, we need to ensure that we can achieve our goals with a minimum outlay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The Aberdeenshire-based brewer is asking customers to make a minimum outlay of £95 for two shares.

The Guardian - Business

He was appointed because Celtic thought they could hoover up all the prizes in Rangers' absence for a minimum outlay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thereafter, Aldredge mixed it, high and low, lavish and cheap, her minimum outlay being for Papp's original downtown Hair (1967) with the performers in their own flower-child weeds, painted up and broken down by Aldredge, who also developed the show.

The Guardian - Film

Under Chris Grayling's price-competitive tendering system we stand to lose our small high-street solicitor firms who know the problems of their clients, and find in their place big multiple-contract operators who, no doubt attracted by the prospect of fixed fees and minimum outlay, will use overworked, underpaid and inexperienced paralegals to represent some of the most vulnerable in society.

Independent

Unlike a traditional private foundation, a supporting organization has no mandated 5% minimum outlay, pays no excise taxes on investment income and has fewer self-dealing restrictions.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If this amount is a deal-breaker, use the FORBES fund screener, www.forbes.com/fundscreener, to find other global bond funds–or funds of any type with lower minimum outlays.

Forbes

It emphasizes the need to take maximum advantage of the existing hardware with minimum capital outlay.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

The company offers a direct-purchase plan with a minimum initial outlay of $250 and optional cash purchases of as little as $50.

Forbes

One proposal dropped from the law would have required a $5 million minimum initial investment outlay.

The New York Times

Maximum capital outlay, minimum value on the cumulative NPV curve, USD.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The lessors will pay for the devices and recover their outlays via the $75,000 per year minimum rent paid by the hospitals.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial investments or business ventures, use "minimum outlay" to clearly communicate the initial investment required. This can help set realistic expectations for stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid using "minimum outlay" when you actually mean "minimum output". "Outlay" refers to expenditure, while "output" refers to production or results. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimum outlay" functions as a noun phrase that usually acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the smallest amount of money, resources, or effort required for a particular activity or investment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minimum outlay" refers to the smallest amount of money, resources, or effort required for a particular activity or investment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's often used in business, financial, and academic contexts to specify the lowest acceptable level of investment. While "minimum outlay" is a useful phrase, alternatives like "least investment", "smallest expenditure", and "minimal expense" can provide similar meaning. Be careful not to confuse "outlay" with "output". Using "minimum outlay" effectively involves clearly communicating the required initial expenditure, which helps in setting expectations and assessing feasibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least investment

Focuses specifically on the investment aspect, implying the smallest amount of capital needed.

smallest expenditure

Emphasizes the act of spending and indicates the lowest amount spent.

minimal expense

Highlights the cost involved, suggesting the lowest possible cost.

lowest cost

Directly refers to the price or cost, indicating the least expensive option.

bare minimum investment

Stresses that the investment is only the necessary bare minimum.

rock-bottom price

Indicates the price is as low as it can possibly get.

entry-level cost

Highlights the cost to gain initial access or entry to something.

budget-friendly investment

Emphasizes affordability and suitability for those on a tight budget.

most economical option

Points out that it is the option with the best value for the money.

least capital expenditure

More formal and technical, specifically referring to capital expenditure.

FAQs

How can I use "minimum outlay" in a sentence?

You can use "minimum outlay" to describe the smallest amount of money needed for an investment. For example: "The project requires a "minimum outlay" of $10000."

What's a good alternative to "minimum outlay"?

Alternatives include "least investment", "smallest expenditure", or "minimal expense" depending on the context.

Is "minimum outlay" formal or informal?

"Minimum outlay" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for business, finance, and academic contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "lowest cost" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "minimum outlay" and "initial investment"?

While similar, "minimum outlay" refers specifically to the amount of money spent at the beginning, whereas "initial investment" can also encompass other forms of investment like time or resources. Thus, the "minimum outlay" is usually monetary.