minuses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minuses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to negative aspects or disadvantages of something, often in a comparative context. Example: "While the new policy has its benefits, there are also several minuses that we need to consider before implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Obviously tough times in England, and I had to watch what was going on, the pluses and the minuses and work all that out, then come up with some players and plans that will work for a long period of time.

The Guardian - Sport

No one today really thinks that school, especially in the early years, should consist of nothing but dreary rote learning.But children do love learning real things why trees have leaves, how two minuses make a plus, the number of wives' heads Henry VIII removed.

The Economist

Now they are giving it up for the euro, a word that does not fit into the Latvian language's rigid orthography (hence the grammatically correct but, strictly speaking, unauthorised variant, eiro).Now, however, the pluses hugely outweigh the minuses (which is why Estonia joined in 2011 and Lithuania will probably do so in 2015).

The Economist

But against that small plus are two big minuses.

The Economist

"The economic pluses and minuses are much smaller than the political and emotional salience," says Rand's Mr Smith.

The Economist

But add up the deeds, and there are many more minuses than pluses.One large example: the plan to save the banking system, which collapsed in August, taking with it all hopes for economic recovery.

The Economist

Cees van der Hoeven, the boss of Ahold, says the polder model has pluses and minuses, but singles out the trade unions as the best in the world.

The Economist

The pluses and minuses are not all immediately obvious, and many of them are not easily measurable in monetary terms.

The Economist

They are due to arrive three days before Mr Bush.For Tony Blair, therefore, the visit has many minuses and few pluses.

The Economist

Taken together, the two statements expose the DPJ's inconsistency.In this section Seconds out, round two There they go again Plus and minuses In that dawn Looking for a loophole Like the last lot Stay the bloody hell where you are Hell on Earth ReprintsPostal privatisation, the hallmark of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi's tenure in 2001-06, is most contentious.

The Economist

Add to that the risk of being caught out by the weather without the experience to deal with it, and the minuses might seem definitely to outweigh the attractions.In 1988, when this reviewer was climbing on Everest, only six expeditions tried to reach the summit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing advantages and disadvantages, use "minuses" in conjunction with "pluses" to provide a balanced perspective. For example, "Weigh the pluses and "minuses" before making a decision."

Common error

While "minuses" is acceptable, avoid relying on it too heavily in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "disadvantages" or "drawbacks" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "minuses" is as a plural noun, representing multiple negative aspects or disadvantages. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "minuses" functions as a plural noun to denote negative aspects or disadvantages. It is often used in conjunction with "pluses" to offer a balanced view, primarily found in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms that "minuses" is grammatically correct and widely used. However, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "drawbacks" or "disadvantages" in formal contexts. When used effectively, "minuses" provides a clear way to articulate potential downsides, aiding in informed decision-making. The phrase appears very often.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disadvantages

Replaces "minuses" with a more direct term for drawbacks.

drawbacks

Similar to "disadvantages", emphasizing negative aspects.

negatives

A simple and direct synonym for "minuses".

shortcomings

Focuses on deficiencies or imperfections.

weaknesses

Highlights areas of vulnerability or lack of strength.

deficiencies

Emphasizes a lack of something essential or necessary.

downsides

Informal term for negative aspects or disadvantages.

detriments

Highlights aspects that cause damage or harm.

liabilities

Focuses on aspects that create legal or financial obligations.

impediments

Emphasizes obstacles or hindrances.

FAQs

How do I use "minuses" in a sentence?

"Minuses" is used to refer to the disadvantages or negative aspects of something, often when comparing them to the advantages or positive aspects. For example: "The plan has both pluses and "minuses"."

What can I say instead of "minuses"?

You can use alternatives like "disadvantages", "drawbacks", or "negatives" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pluses and minuses" or "pros and cons"?

Both "pluses and minuses" and "pros and cons" are correct and used to express advantages and disadvantages. "Pros and cons" is generally considered more formal, while "pluses and minuses" is more informal.

What is the difference between "minuses" and "shortcomings"?

"Minuses" generally refers to disadvantages in a broad sense. "Shortcomings" specifically indicate deficiencies or imperfections, often implying a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.