skeleton crew

USAGE SUMMARY

"skeleton crew" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a small number of people who are assigned to do a task, usually one that is usually done by a much larger group. Example Sentence: The company only had a skeleton crew available to work on the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There was a skeleton crew.

The New York Times - Style

On Monday, the skeleton crew was down to roughly 70.

The New York Times

"We're still down to a skeleton crew," she said.

The New York Times

The members of the Avengers' skeleton crew fight alongside him.

The New Yorker

Work with available light, a skeleton crew and unsung actors.

The New York Times

The skeleton crew that remained at Univision needed, among other things, a nightly-news anchor.

The New Yorker

With a skeleton crew, the movie was shot in just 12 days.

The New York Times

At one point, Dornstein visited Libyan state television and found a skeleton crew still working there.

The New Yorker

For a while, a copy editor fleshed out the skeleton crew.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A skeleton crew took the ship to Cherbourg for the official transfer.

Wikipedia

Only a skeleton crew would stay on overseas.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skeleton crew" when referring to the minimum number of people needed to keep a system or organization running, especially during emergencies or off-peak times. For example, 'During the holiday season, the store operates with a "skeleton crew" to handle essential tasks.'

Common error

Avoid using "skeleton crew" when simply referring to a small team working on a new project; it implies a reduction from a previous, larger staff or operation, suggesting a situation of limited resources or emergency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skeleton crew" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a minimal group of personnel maintaining essential operations. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skeleton crew" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the minimum number of personnel needed to maintain essential operations, especially during emergencies or shutdowns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, media and scientific articles. Its usage implies a state of reduced staffing. While acceptable in formal settings, it carries a slightly less formal tone than alternatives like "essential personnel". Remember to use "skeleton crew" only when a reduction in staffing has occurred, not simply to describe a small team. By considering these nuances, you can effectively and appropriately use "skeleton crew" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bare bones staff

Similar to "skeleton crew", emphasizing the minimal nature.

minimum staff

Emphasizes the smallest number of employees required.

reduced staff

Focuses on the act of decreasing the number of employees.

limited staff

Indicates a restriction on the number of employees.

essential personnel

Highlights the necessity of the remaining staff.

smallest possible team

Emphasizes the effort to minimize team size.

core team

Implies a central and vital group of employees.

basic operational team

Highlights the team's ability to maintain basic functions.

minimal workforce

Stresses the small size of the working group.

lean team

Suggests an efficient and streamlined group.

FAQs

What does "skeleton crew" mean?

A "skeleton crew" refers to the minimum number of personnel needed to maintain essential operations, especially during emergencies or shutdowns.

How can I use "skeleton crew" in a sentence?

Example: "The hospital operated with a "skeleton crew" during the holiday weekend."

What's a good alternative to "skeleton crew"?

You could use phrases like "minimum staff", "reduced staff", or "essential personnel" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "skeleton crew" in a formal business setting?

Yes, "skeleton crew" is acceptable in formal and business settings to describe a reduced workforce maintaining essential functions, although "essential personnel" might sound slightly more formal.