the minimum of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the minimum of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least amount or lowest level of something in a specific context. Example: "To ensure safety, the minimum of two exits must be available in the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did what came naturally with the minimum of fuss.

The Guardian - Sport

They owe us at least the minimum of even-handedness".

The Guardian

Federer holds with the minimum of fuss, to 15.

The Guardian - Sport

bThe statistics requirement counts towards the minimum of nine courses.

Stanford University

Murray reached his quarter-final with the minimum of fuss.

Independent

No, only pleased we had performed well and come through with the minimum of casualties.

The Guardian

All of them conveyed the maximum content with the minimum of art".

The New York Times - Arts

He was never a bookish boy and managed to scrape by with the minimum of work.

The Guardian - Books

The assistant referee had signalled for the minimum of six added minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

The terrorists want the maximum effect with the minimum of risk.

The New York Times

Roger Federer also advanced to the second round with the minimum of fuss against Alberto Martin.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, "the minimum of" is appropriate. For situations needing increased clarity, replace it with a more descriptive alternative like "the least amount of".

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "the minimum of" in informal speech might sound stilted. Opt for simpler expressions like "the least" or "the smallest" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the minimum of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the smallest permissible or necessary quantity or degree of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from specifying requirements to quantifying abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the minimum of" is a versatile phrase that effectively communicates the smallest acceptable quantity or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it's generally considered neutral in register, it's crucial to be mindful of the context and opt for simpler alternatives like "the least" in very informal settings. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "the minimum of" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the least amount of

Replaces "minimum" with "least amount", offering a more descriptive alternative.

the smallest quantity of

Substitutes "minimum" with "smallest quantity", emphasizing the size aspect.

the lowest level of

Focuses on the degree or extent, using "lowest level" instead of "minimum".

the bare minimum of

Adds emphasis on the essential, reducing something to its most basic elements.

the absolute lowest of

Intensifies the concept of "minimum" by using "absolute lowest".

the fewest possible of

Replaces "minimum" to emphasize the count, offering a more descriptive alternative.

the nadir of

Uses "nadir" a more formal term signifying the lowest point.

the lower bound of

A technical term often used in mathematics or computer science.

the slightest degree of

Focuses on an inconsequential extent of something.

the base level of

Emphasizes the fundamental or starting point.

FAQs

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

Use "the minimum of" to indicate the smallest permissible or necessary amount. For example, "The recipe requires "the minimum of" two eggs".

What are some alternatives to "the minimum of"?

Alternatives include "the least amount of", "the lowest level of", or "the smallest quantity of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "the minimum of" or "at a minimum"?

The choice depends on the context. "The minimum of" typically refers to a specific quantity or requirement, whereas "at a minimum" implies a lower bound or a starting point. For instance, "We need "the minimum of" five participants" versus "We need five participants "at a minimum"".

When should I avoid using "the minimum of" in my writing?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "the minimum of" in very informal contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Phrases like "the least" or "the fewest" may sound more natural in casual conversation.