reducing to a minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reducing to a minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of decreasing something to its lowest possible level or amount. Example: "The company is focused on reducing to a minimum the waste produced during manufacturing processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this exposition we have attempted to remain as close as possible to Tarski's original presentations, reducing to a minimum the number of claims that might be controversial philosophically or exegetically.

SEP

Furthermore, a simple reactor design and special operating conditions for appropriate laboratory experiments were developed that can be used to produce this type of data reducing to a minimum the difficulties associated with the analysis of composition vs. time information.

Catalysis Today

Under phasing-out conditions, the burner systems are used for reducing to a minimum level the accumulated TRansUranic (TRU) inventory, whereas when continuous use of nuclear energy is envisaged (on-going case), burner systems may be dedicated to MA management only.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

The nested curves of the same data, but plotted vs. time of day (Fig.  2), show that fruit transpiration rate cycles diurnally, generally taking a maximum value around the middle of each day and reducing to a minimum at night.

AoB PLANTS

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Protocol has been reduced to a minimum.

The Economist

External stimuli are reduced to a minimum.

The New York Times - Magazine

Waiting time will certainly be reduced to a minimum.

The New Yorker

Questioning and exploring alternative courses of action are reduced to a minimum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paperwork should be reduced to a minimum, and parents more involved.

The Economist

It also says it will reduce to a minimum the course's thirst for freshwater resources.

The New York Times

It's a mess, with horrendous traffic jams, municipal services reduced to a minimum and general chaos".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider if a single word like "minimizing" or "reducing" could replace the phrase "reducing to a minimum" for a more concise expression.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "reducing to a minimum" in formal documents might sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "minimizing", "decreasing", or "optimizing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reducing to a minimum" functions as a purpose connector, often introducing a clause that explains the goal or intention behind an action. As shown in Ludwig examples, it indicates the desire to lessen something as much as possible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reducing to a minimum" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that serves to emphasize a goal of minimizing something. Ludwig AI identifies it as a purpose connector suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although often replaced by simpler alternatives in casual settings. It appears more frequently in scientific and news-related content. When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider direct synonyms such as "minimizing" to enhance clarity. The choice between "reducing to a minimum" and alternatives depends on the desired level of emphasis and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minimizing

This is a single-word substitute, more concise than the original phrase.

Decreasing to the lowest extent

This phrase adds emphasis on reaching the absolute lowest level.

Lowering to the smallest degree

Similar to the above, but uses 'degree' to quantify the reduction.

Cutting down to the barest essentials

Implies a more drastic reduction, focusing on what's absolutely necessary.

Trimming to the uttermost

A more figurative way of saying reducing to the greatest extent, where trimming is the action.

Curtailing to the nadir

Uses 'curtailing' for reduction and 'nadir' to indicate the lowest point.

Keeping as low as achievable

Shifts focus to maintaining a low level rather than the action of reducing.

Bringing down to rock bottom

This idiom is a more visual and emphatic way of saying reducing to the lowest possible level.

Abridging to the most possible

Focuses on abbreviation and possibility.

Attenuating to the limit

Attenuating is less frequently used and implies reducing the force or effect.

FAQs

How can I use "reducing to a minimum" in a sentence?

The phrase "reducing to a minimum" is used to describe the act of decreasing something to its lowest possible level. For example: "The company aims at "reducing to a minimum" its environmental impact."

What can I say instead of "reducing to a minimum"?

You can use alternatives like "minimizing", "decreasing to the lowest extent", or "lowering to the smallest degree" depending on the context.

Is "reducing to a minimum" formal or informal?

The phrase "reducing to a minimum" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though simpler alternatives like "minimizing" are often preferred in less formal settings.

What's the difference between "reducing to a minimum" and "reducing"?

"Reducing" simply means lessening something. "Reducing to a minimum" specifies that the reduction is aimed at achieving the lowest possible level, implying a greater degree of effort or intention.