the least amount

USAGE SUMMARY

"the least amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the amount of two or more things, to indicate the smallest amount. For example, "She had the least amount of money out of the entire group, so she had to borrow from her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

using the least amount of fuel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, the least amount of fuel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Hibernation uses the least amount of energy).

The New York Times - Tech

But they have the least amount of vetting.

Stanford University

"This one has the least amount of reflection," Sather said.

The New York Times - Sports

Who works the least amount of hours each week?

The New York Times

Transverse recordings showed the least amount of variability.

Seminars in Orthodontics

Results: The control teeth had the least amount of resorption.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

A. In a sense, yes: the least amount of throws.

The New York Times

The new flowsheet consumes the least amount of raw materials and produces the least amount of discharged gas as waste.

Applied Thermal Engineering

It's also the one with the least amount of competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the least amount", ensure it is followed by a noun that can be quantified, such as "the least amount of time", "the least amount of effort" or "the least amount of resources".

Common error

Avoid using "amount" with countable nouns; instead, use "number". For example, say "the least number of errors", not "the least amount of errors". "Amount" is for uncountable nouns like water or effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the least amount" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the minimum quantity of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable, serving to quantify the smallest acceptable or achievable measure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the least amount" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the minimum quantity or degree of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and understood, it appears very common in various contexts, including news, academia, and science, showing its broad applicability and register neutrality. When using this phrase, remember to pair "amount" with uncountable nouns, and consider alternatives like "smallest quantity" or "fewest number" for varied expression. Aim to use "the least amount" when aiming for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the smallest quantity

Focuses on the quantity, emphasizing its minimal size.

the minimum quantity

Highlights the lower limit of an acceptable quantity.

the fewest number

Emphasizes the count of items, indicating the smallest number.

the lowest quantity

Stresses the lower level of something quantifiable.

the slightest degree

Shifts focus to the minimal extent or level of something.

the minimal extent

Highlights the small scope or range of something.

the smallest portion

Emphasizes that it is the smallest division of a whole

the most reduced quantity

Highlights a reduced degree of something.

the most limited amount

Highlights the restriction applied to the quantity.

the absolute minimum

Expresses the lower limit that can be accepted

FAQs

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

Use "the least amount" to indicate minimizing something. For example, "Use "the least amount of water" when washing your car to conserve resources."

What is a good alternative to "the least amount"?

Alternatives include "the smallest quantity", "the fewest number", or "the minimum quantity" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "the least amount of" or "the fewest amount of"?

While "the least amount of" is generally correct for uncountable nouns, "the fewest number of" is correct for countable nouns. It depends on what you are quantifying.

What's the difference between "the least amount" and "the smallest amount"?

The phrases are very similar; however, "the least amount" often implies an effort to minimize, while "the smallest amount" simply refers to the size or quantity. They're often interchangeable.