minimum wage

USAGE SUMMARY

"minimum wage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the lowest amount of money that employers are legally allowed to pay their employees. For example, "Many employers pay their employees the minimum wage set by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She made minimum wage.

The New Yorker

Bankruptcy and minimum wage.

The New York Times

A higher minimum wage!

The Economist

You deserve minimum wage.

The New York Times

DUBLIN — Cut Ireland's minimum wage?

The New York Times

There is no minimum wage".

The New York Times

And a higher minimum wage.

The New York Times

It's a higher minimum wage.

Independent

A minimum wage was introduced.

The Economist

The minimum wage in Bangladesh?

The New York Times

Probably minimum wage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic policy, use "minimum wage" to clearly refer to the legally mandated minimum hourly rate an employer can pay.

Common error

Avoid using "minimum wage" interchangeably with "living wage". "Minimum wage" is a legal requirement, while "living wage" is a theoretical income level needed to cover basic living expenses which is higher than the minimum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimum wage" functions as a noun, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote a specific economic concept, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minimum wage" is a commonly used term referring to the legally mandated lowest hourly rate an employer can pay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. While the phrase is straightforward, understanding its implications and related concepts like "living wage" is crucial for effective communication about economic policies. Be mindful of the distinction between the legal minimum and the income needed for a basic standard of living to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum remuneration

A more formal term emphasizing the act of being compensated.

limit wage

Emphasizes the upper boundary imposed on lower salaries.

threshold wage

Highlights the wage as a point of passage, like a limit.

floor wage

Emphasizes that the wage is the lowest acceptable, like a basis.

minimum rates of pay

Highlights the set of different amounts of money established for certain workers.

mandatory wage

Emphasizes that the wage is compulsory by law.

minuscule wage

Highlights the small amount of money earned.

minute wage

Stresses the small and insignificant value of the wage.

small wage

Highlights the limited purchasing power of such a wage.

living wage

Refers to a wage high enough to maintain a normal standard of living.

FAQs

What is the definition of "minimum wage"?

The "minimum wage" is the lowest hourly wage that an employer can legally pay to employees.

What are some arguments for raising the "minimum wage"?

Proponents argue raising the "minimum wage" can reduce poverty, stimulate the economy, and improve worker morale.

What are some potential consequences of increasing the "minimum wage"?

Some economists believe that increasing the "minimum wage" can lead to job losses, reduced hiring, and increased prices for goods and services.

Is there an alternative to "minimum wage" that describes an income to cover basic living expenses?

Yes, the "living wage" is an alternative concept that represents the income needed to maintain a basic standard of living, often higher than the legal minimum.