the minimum quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the minimum quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the smallest amount of something that is acceptable or required in a particular context. Example: "To place an order, you must meet the minimum quantity of 100 units."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This was the "minimum quantity required to ensure a credible European response," it said.

The New York Times

That's intellectually very similar to our road-car colleagues who have to do a given mission with the minimum quantity of fuel.

The New York Times - Sports

As such, the minimum quantity coolant lubrication (MQCL) bridges the improved productivity with sustainability in machining.

Measurement

Fig. 3 The determination of the minimum quantity of the substrate peptide.

Nanoscale Research Letters

This article analyzes the behavior of the minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) technique and compares it with the conventional cooling method.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

The minimum quantity of ABS required to toughen PBT is lower the higher the PBT melt viscosity.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Instead, retailers who drew down their inventories to almost nothing over the winter are reluctantly buying the minimum quantities of goods needed to keep shelves from becoming bare.

The New York Times

The process can be carried out with the minimum quantities of oxidant (0.6 m3/h air/1 kg of coal) during 5 10 min.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

For one type of contract, the first LP model determines the minimum quantities of wafers required to be released into the fab to meet the contractual obligation; these required starts are added as a constraint for the second LP model.

Computers & Operations Research

Currently, one third of the world's children are malnourished, deprived of the minimum quantities of nutrients they need to safeguard their health and lives.

Unicef

The sum of the minimum quantities of SMPP was about 13 μL, for all the five biotin derivatives from the PMFS to have peak areas over five times their own intercepts of linear response (additional file 9).

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a requirement or a lower limit, use "the minimum quantity" to clearly define the least acceptable amount. For example, "The experiment requires the minimum quantity of reagent to ensure accurate results."

Common error

Avoid using "the minimum quantity" when discussing inexact or abstract concepts; it's best suited for measurable, concrete items. For example, instead of "the minimum quantity of effort", consider "the least amount of effort" or "the minimal effort."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the minimum quantity" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It specifies a lower limit or the smallest acceptable amount of something. Ludwig's examples showcase this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Unknown/unmatched sources

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the minimum quantity" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to specify the smallest acceptable or required amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds frequent application in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While "the minimum quantity" is generally suitable, consider alternatives like "the least amount" or "the smallest quantity" based on the specific context to enhance clarity. Remember to reserve its use for situations involving concrete, measurable items rather than abstract concepts to maintain precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the least amount

Focuses on the amount rather than a specific measurement or item.

the lowest quantity

Emphasizes the order or rank of the quantity.

the smallest amount

Highlights the diminutive aspect of the quantity.

the bare minimum

Implies that the amount is just enough to suffice.

the minimal amount

Emphasizes that the amount is as small as possible while still being effective.

the irreducible minimum

Highlights that the amount cannot be further reduced.

the essential minimum

Emphasizes that the amount is absolutely necessary.

the qualifying quantity

Suggests that the quantity meets a certain threshold.

the threshold quantity

Indicates a boundary or limit in terms of amount.

the rock-bottom quantity

Informal, emphasizing the absolute lowest possible quantity.

FAQs

How is "the minimum quantity" used in a sentence?

"The minimum quantity" is used to specify the smallest acceptable amount of something, as in, "To qualify for free shipping, you must order "the minimum quantity" of ten items".

What can I say instead of "the minimum quantity"?

Alternatives include "the least amount", "the smallest quantity", or "the bare minimum", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "minimum quantity" or "smallest quantity"?

Both are correct, but "minimum quantity" is often used in more formal or technical contexts to denote a required or acceptable lower limit, while "smallest quantity" simply refers to the least amount present.

What's the difference between "the minimum quantity" and "the optimal quantity"?

"The minimum quantity" refers to the least amount required or allowed, while "the optimal quantity" refers to the amount that produces the best or most favorable outcome.