minimum term of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimum term of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as legal agreements, contracts, or policies to specify the shortest duration for which something is applicable or binding. Example: "The lease agreement includes a minimum term of one year, after which the tenant may choose to renew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ringleader Ali is ordered to serve the longest minimum term of 40 years.

The Guardian

A minimum term of 30 years was set before he could be considered for parole.

The Guardian

In Dobson's case he sentenced him to a minimum term of 15 years and two months.

The Guardian

Yam was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ulbricht faces up to life in prison and a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian - Tech

Treacy sentenced him to serve a minimum term of 15 years and two months.

The Guardian

He set a minimum term of 25 years before either parent was eligible for parole.

The Guardian

Abdulla is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years.

The Guardian

I believe we should legislate for a minimum term of 30 months to create some stability.

The Guardian

McGreavy was given multiple life sentences with a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian

Wang was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minimum term of" in legal or contractual contexts, clearly define what the term refers to (e.g., "minimum term of employment", "minimum term of imprisonment") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "minimum term of" when you actually mean the full or total term. "Minimum term" specifies the shortest acceptable duration, not the entire duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimum term of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a lower limit on a period. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts such as "minimum term of 40 years" or "minimum term of 15 years."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimum term of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to specify the shortest acceptable duration in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence in news, media and formal business contexts indicates a neutral to formal register. It's important to distinguish between "minimum term" and "total term" to avoid confusion. When writing, ensure the term is clearly defined to maintain clarity, making it a versatile tool for expressing duration requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum duration of

Replaces "term" with "duration", focusing on the length of time.

shortest period of

Emphasizes the briefest acceptable time frame.

minimum length of

Similar to "minimum duration", highlights physical or temporal extent.

mandatory duration of

Implies that the duration is required or compulsory.

required minimum time

Highlights the necessity of meeting a time threshold.

at least

Offers a simpler way to express a lower boundary of time.

not less than

A more formal way to express a minimum limit.

minimum time frame

Replaces "term" with "time frame", referring to a span of time.

lowest acceptable term

Focuses on the least permissible or allowable duration.

qualifying period

Highlights a period that must be completed to meet requirements.

FAQs

How is the phrase "minimum term of" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "minimum term of" typically refers to the shortest period a sentence, contract, or agreement is valid. For example, a judge might set a "minimum term of imprisonment" before parole eligibility.

What are some alternatives to "minimum term of"?

Alternatives include "minimum duration of", "shortest period of", or "required minimum time", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "minimum term of" when referring to financial investments?

Yes, "minimum term of" is appropriate when discussing investments to indicate the shortest time an investment must be held. For instance, "The "minimum term of investment" is 180 days."

What is the difference between "minimum term of" and "maximum term of"?

"Minimum term of" specifies the shortest acceptable duration, while "maximum term of" indicates the longest possible duration. They define the lower and upper limits, respectively. For example, "the contract has a "minimum term of 12 months" and a maximum term of 36 months."