the least allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the least allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the minimum level of something that is permitted or acceptable in a given context. Example: "In this competition, the least allowed age for participants is 18 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Collectively, Tennessee had just five yards net rushing, the second-least ever in a Tennessee bowl game and the least allowed by Virginia Tech in a bowl game.

Wikipedia

Then, an edge-preserving smoother analysis [ 51], using the Pott's filter with the penalty parameter set to 2 and the least allowed aberration size limited to two clones, was performed to identify genes that were highly enriched for 5 mC or 5 hmC in the three different culture groups.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This feels constrained, to say the least, allowing us limited access to Routh's potential charm, and it thickens our suspicion that we have seen the same tale told more cheaply before, although what, exactly, was so perfect about the 1978 project that it should warrant emulation?

The New Yorker

And, crucially, the government had at least allowed the farmers to eat some of the wheat themselves.The court's two most zealous conservatives split on the ruling.

The Economist

Travelling together to the site of the crash may have at least allowed the relatives to establish a strong network of mutual support that could help them towards recovery.

BBC

In addition, the program potentially generated cost savings for the local jail, or at least allowed for the reallocation of beds that would normally be used to house defendants with mental illness for use with other, higher risk offenders.

Health & Justice

"The extra money through our stake in the airport has at least allowed us to look again at the budget options".

BBC

Although they had broken no law, they were often treated worse than criminals, who were at least allowed the use of the exercise yard each day.

The New York Times

Many liberal Chinese and foreigners have been asking whether the central government stoked the protests, or at least allowed them to go on unabated for too long.

The New York Times

But a not-guilty verdict, which implied returning to live in acute poverty among hostile neighbours may have had few attractions, and confession at least allowed the accused to own the power and hatred attributed to them by others.

The Guardian - Books

The cell had iron bars at the front which at least allowed him to hear other prisoners.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing regulations or limitations, use "the least allowed" to clearly state the minimum permissible value or action. For instance, "The least allowed withdrawal amount is $20."

Common error

Avoid confusing "the least allowed" with phrases like "at least allowed", which implies permission or tolerance rather than setting a strict minimum. Ensure the context clearly requires a limitation or minimum threshold.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the least allowed" functions primarily as a modifier specifying a minimum permissible quantity, value, or action. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies its proper grammatical usage. It typically precedes a noun to define a lower limit.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the least allowed" is a phrase used to indicate a minimum permissible limit or action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, even if its frequency is rare. Its register is usually neutral, though the formality can shift. When incorporating it into your writing, be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended restriction and doesn't blur with other similar phrases such as "at least allowed". This phrase is useful in regulations, guidelines, and any situation requiring a specified lower boundary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minimum permitted

Replaces "least allowed" with a more formal term.

Lowest permissible

Substitutes "least" and "allowed" with synonyms, keeping the meaning intact.

Absolute minimum authorized

Adds emphasis by specifying "absolute" and replaces "allowed" with "authorized".

Bare minimum tolerated

Emphasizes the barely acceptable nature of the minimum.

Minimum threshold

Focuses on the idea of a boundary or limit.

Smallest quantity permitted

Breaks down the phrase to specify "quantity".

Least amount acceptable

Uses "amount" instead of a more general term.

Minimum extent granted

Frames it in terms of what is 'granted'.

Least possible

Highlights the notion of something being "possible".

Restricted minimum

This alternative focuses on something 'restricted'.

FAQs

How can I use "the least allowed" in a sentence?

Use "the least allowed" to indicate a minimum permissible quantity or action, such as "The least allowed age for participation is 18" or "The least allowed space between rows is 3 feet".

What's a more formal way to say "the least allowed"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "minimum permitted" or "lowest permissible", which are often used in official documents or regulations.

Is there a difference between "the least allowed" and "at least allowed"?

Yes, "the least allowed" specifies a minimum limit, while "at least allowed" implies permission or tolerance without setting a specific boundary. Using the phrase "at least allowed" indicates something is permitted, even if it might not be ideal or sufficient.

What are some synonyms for "the least allowed" that emphasize restriction?

To emphasize restriction, you could use synonyms like "restricted minimum" or "absolute minimum authorized". These phrases convey a stronger sense of limitation and control.