the least of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the least of" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase usually refers to something being a minor problem compared to something else. For example: "I was worried about the exam, but that was the least of my concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's the least of it.

The New Yorker

"That's the least of my problems".

The New York Times - Sports

But money was the least of it.

The Economist

But that was the least of it.

The New York Times

Now, bribes are the least of it.

The Economist

She made the least of it.

The New York Times

Stagnant water was the least of it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dislocated shoulders are the least of it.

The New York Times - Books

And that is the least of it.

The Economist

"Conscience is the least of your problems.

The New Yorker

And that's the least of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the least of" to downplay the significance of one issue when comparing it to more pressing concerns. This can help prioritize discussions and focus on critical aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "the least of" without clearly establishing what it's being compared to. Ensure the context makes it obvious which issues are more significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the least of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is the smallest, fewest, or least important in a group or situation. Ludwig confirms that it is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the least of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to minimize the importance of something compared to other factors. According to Ludwig, this phrase is well-established in written English and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared and why it is less significant. Alternatives such as ""of minor importance"" or ""not the primary concern"" can be used for similar effect. Remember to maintain clarity and context to effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not the primary concern

Highlights that something is not the most important thing to consider.

The lowest priority

Indicates that something is ranked at the bottom in terms of importance.

A trivial matter

Suggests that something is not serious or important.

Of minor importance

Directly states that something is not very important.

The most insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or value of something.

Of little consequence

Suggests that something has minimal impact or effect.

The smallest part of

Focuses on the quantitative aspect, indicating the minimal portion.

The minimal aspect

Highlights the very small or unimportant nature of something.

Hardly a factor

Indicates that something has very little influence or impact.

The slightest bit of

Emphasizes the insignificance or small degree of something.

FAQs

How do you use "the least of" in a sentence?

Use "the least of" to indicate something is less important than something else. For example, "The cost was "not the primary concern"; the safety was."

What is a synonym for "the least of"?

Synonyms include "of minor importance", "not the primary concern", or "a trivial matter", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "the least of" and "the most of"?

"The least of" emphasizes minimal importance, while "the most of" indicates maximizing benefit or importance. They are opposites in terms of significance.

Is it always appropriate to use "the least of" in formal writing?

Yes, "the least of" is generally appropriate for formal writing as it is a standard English phrase. However, ensure the context is clear and the comparison is well-defined.