the minimum required

USAGE SUMMARY

"the minimum required" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the smallest or lowest amount of something that must be fulfilled in order to meet certain requirements. For example, "You must complete at least five out of the ten tasks, which is the minimum required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a multicast scenario, to guarantee the minimum required QoS, we define PSNRrequired to be the minimum required PSNR among the multicast group receivers, as follows.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Two debates are the minimum required by city law.

The New York Times

"A full-scale emotional collapse is the minimum required to justify letting everybody down".

The New York Times

Alcott's skis measured 59.8mm around the bindings whereas the minimum required under FIS regulations is 60mm.

The Guardian - Sport

Its key ratio, CET1, rose to 16.3% from 14.5%, which is substantially above the minimum required.

The Guardian - Business

I took only the minimum required English courses — two semesters of freshman English.

The New Yorker

The minimum required salary for chefs on the shortage occupation list is £29,570.

The Guardian

The minimum required donation is up, from $6,000 in 1997.

The New York Times

His 15-year sentence was the minimum required by the so-called Rockefeller laws.

The New York Times

Or are you trying to maintain the minimum required balance in your account?

The New York Times

Where performance is below the minimum required to pass a GCSE, students will receive a 'U'.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a lower boundary, use "the minimum required" to clearly convey that at least this much is necessary to meet a certain standard or achieve a desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "the minimum required" in situations where a higher standard or amount is clearly preferable. Using the phrase implies that meeting the minimum is sufficient, even if exceeding it would yield better results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the minimum required" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the smallest acceptable quantity, level, or standard that fulfills a specific need or regulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the minimum required" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to specify the least acceptable quantity, level, or standard needed to meet a requirement. It's prevalent across various contexts including news, science, and general knowledge, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. While versatile, it's important to consider the context in which it's used. As the AI confirms, its purpose is clear: to denote essential thresholds, though exceeding these minimums might sometimes be preferable. When in doubt, weigh alternatives like "the bare minimum" or "the least necessary" to best match the tone and meaning of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the minimum necessary

Emphasizes the essential nature of the amount needed, suggesting efficiency.

the minimum threshold

Indicates the least acceptable level or point.

the least required

Highlights the lower limit of what is acceptable or needed.

the smallest amount needed

Clearly specifies the least quantity necessary for a given purpose.

the basic requirement

Stresses the fundamental and essential nature of the need.

the mandatory minimum

Highlights that the minimum is obligatory and not optional.

the minimal standard

Specifies that a level should be maintained.

the bare minimum

Focuses on the absolute least amount, often implying a sense of inadequacy.

the qualifying minimum

Specifically refers to a minimum that allows something to meet a qualification.

the essential threshold

Emphasizes the level that must be crossed to achieve a certain outcome.

FAQs

How do I use "the minimum required" in a sentence?

Use "the minimum required" to specify the least acceptable amount, level, or standard necessary to meet a specific need or regulation. For example, "You must pay at least "the minimum required amount" on your credit card bill each month."

What's a good alternative to "the minimum required"?

Alternatives include "the bare minimum", "the minimum necessary", or "the least required", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to exceed "the minimum required"?

It depends on the situation. Meeting "the minimum required" ensures compliance or basic functionality, but exceeding it may lead to better performance, greater safety, or improved results. Consider the specific goals and potential benefits of surpassing the minimum.

What is the difference between "the minimum required" and "the recommended amount"?

"The minimum required" refers to the least acceptable quantity or level, while "the recommended amount" suggests an optimal quantity or level that is advised for best results. Always satisfy "the minimum required", but aim for the "the recommended amount" if possible.