on a minimal scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a minimal scale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe things such as events, activities, or operations that occur on a limited, small, or insignificant level. For example, "The new restaurant has been operating on a minimal scale since its opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When given an opportunity, people want to improve their skills and - when confident they can meet their most basic needs on a minimal scale - they will engage in more community activities.

Forbes

The slim possibility that these weapons were provided on a minimal scale by a non-state backer acquired though illicit means cannot yet be discounted.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It used to be a town of alternative lifestyles, people who figured out how to live on a pretty minimal scale.

The New York Times

Indiscriminative meaning is free choice meaning as it is made available to negation (by focus), thereby denying the truth of the strongest proposition on a minimal sufficiency scale.

University of Chicago

A general equation for generating three-dimensional (3D) EEMD components based on the comparable minimal scale combination principle is derived for further applications.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

In these individuals, often there is a scale outbreak on the ground-level leaves on trees that have minimal scale insects on the upper leaves of the same tree (Fig. 1, bottom).

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Based on a minimal length function, which scales linearly with intrinsic fluctuations in the system and quadratically with shear strain, we make concrete predictions about the mechanical response of these materials, which we verify numerically and which are consistent with previous experiments.

Cornell University

According to the one point of view, the double-needle of Sciadopitys is a pair of fused leaves born on a minimal shoot, axillary to the scale leaf [reviewed in 34], [42], [43].

Plosone

An addendum to the protocol for the management of malnutrition could be formalized to bring to scale on a minimal basis the benefits offered.

Unicef

The sample size required for a full-scale trial is based on a minimal clinical difference of 50 points on the primary outcome measure the IBS Symptom Severity Score [ 19].

BMC Gastroenterology

On a local scale, the minimal adequate model for survival consists of one significant main effect; distance from ephemeral stream (positive), and the significant interaction between distance from ephemeral stream and Thiessen polygons (negative; Table 5).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a minimal scale" when you want to emphasize that something is being done with the fewest possible resources or at the smallest possible level. This is useful when highlighting efficiency or resourcefulness.

Common error

Avoid using "on a minimal scale" in contexts where a more specific description would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "the project was completed on a minimal scale", specify what was minimal: "the project was completed with a minimal budget" or "with minimal staffing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a minimal scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent to which an action is performed or a situation exists. Ludwig examples show this phrase qualifying various activities across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a minimal scale" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed with the least amount of resources or intensity. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently encountered in science and news media contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase is versatile and can be used in neutral and formal settings. Consider specifying which aspect is minimal (budget, staffing) for clearer communication. Similar alternatives include "to a small extent" and "in a limited way".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a small extent

Replaces "minimal scale" with "small extent", focusing on the degree to which something is done.

in a limited way

Emphasizes the restriction or limitation in the approach or execution.

to a reduced degree

Highlights the decrease or reduction in the scale or intensity.

in a scaled-down manner

Uses "scaled-down" to indicate a smaller, less extensive form of something.

with minimal effort

Focuses on the effort involved, suggesting that little effort is expended.

on a reduced budget

Indicates that something is done with limited financial resources.

in a rudimentary fashion

Suggests something is basic or underdeveloped, reflecting a minimal approach.

to a basic degree

Emphasizes the fundamental or essential level at which something is carried out.

with limited resources

Highlights the constraint of having few resources available.

in a constrained manner

Indicates that the way something is done is restricted or limited.

FAQs

How can I use "on a minimal scale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a minimal scale" to describe actions or processes that are performed with the least amount of resources or intensity. For example, "The company started its operations "to a small extent" and plans to expand later".

What are some alternatives to "on a minimal scale"?

Some alternatives include "to a small extent", "in a limited way", or "to a reduced degree". These phrases can replace "on a minimal scale" while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "on a minimal scale" or "on a small scale"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "on a minimal scale" emphasizes the idea of using the fewest possible resources, while "on a small scale" simply indicates a limited size or scope. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "on a minimal scale" imply about the resources used?

"On a minimal scale" implies that resources are being used very sparingly. This can suggest efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or a deliberate effort to reduce impact or investment. You can also express it as "with minimal effort".