the minimum amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the minimum amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least quantity or level of something that is acceptable or required. Example: "To qualify for the grant, applicants must demonstrate the minimum amount of funding needed for their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the minimum amount.

The New York Times

The minimum amount of coverage will increase.

The New York Times - Health

The minimum amount needed to open an account is £10.

The Guardian - Money

The minimum amount of annual paid vacation is five weeks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Efficiency was key, with people spending the minimum amount of time acquiring food.

The Guardian

The minimum amount is $25, and you can choose from people all over the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

The minimum amount of money you need to live is definitely more here.

The Guardian

This is the minimum amount advocated by the Education for All (EFA) initiative.

The Guardian

We will collect the minimum amount of data we possibly can.

The Guardian

1: The minimum amount of medals that Team GB should claim in Paralympic shooting.

The Guardian - Sport

From his earliest days, Bergman learned to set a scene with the minimum amount of dialogue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing requirements or thresholds, clearly specify the units of measurement associated with "the minimum amount" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the minimum amount of rainfall required".

Common error

Avoid using "the minimum amount" when you actually mean the ideal or optimal amount. "Minimum" refers to the smallest acceptable quantity, not the best or most effective one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the minimum amount" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely employed, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the minimum amount" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the smallest acceptable quantity or degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently used in news, wiki, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives in academic settings. Remember to specify the units of measurement and avoid confusing "minimum" with "optimal". As the numerous examples in Ludwig demonstrate, this phrase is versatile and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the least quantity

Focuses specifically on quantity rather than a more abstract "amount".

the smallest quantity

Emphasizes the diminutive nature of the amount more strongly.

the lowest quantity

Highlights the quantity as being at the bottom of a measurable scale.

the bare minimum

Implies that the amount is just sufficient and possibly inadequate.

the slightest amount

Emphasizes how small the quantity is and can be applied to abstract things.

the minimum requirement

Shifts focus to a required level instead of a general quantity.

the irreducible minimum

Focuses the impossible reduction of the amount below the specified amount.

the essential minimum

Highlights the necessary and crucial aspect of the specified amount.

the utter minimum

Stresses how small or exiguous the specified amount is.

the qualifying amount

Emphasizes the capacity of the amount to comply with certain conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "the minimum amount" to refer to the smallest acceptable quantity or degree of something. For example: "Ensure you have the "minimum amount" of water before starting the hike."

What's a formal alternative to "the minimum amount"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "the lower limit", "the threshold quantity", or "the minimal requirement". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "the minimal amount" instead of "the minimum amount"?

Yes, "the minimal amount" is a valid alternative. While "minimum" is more common, "minimal" also conveys the idea of the smallest possible quantity.

What is the difference between "the minimum amount" and "the least amount"?

"The minimum amount" typically refers to a specific lower limit or requirement, while "the least amount" simply refers to the smallest quantity without necessarily implying a requirement or threshold. The choice depends on the context.