the smallest degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the smallest degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the least amount or extent of something, often in a comparative context. Example: "She was only affected by the changes to the smallest degree, so her performance remained largely unchanged."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But that is what we have done if we suspend habeas corpus, even to the smallest degree.

The New York Times

On diets: "The first, indeed the only, requirement of a diet is that it should lose you weight without reducing your alcoholic intake by the smallest degree".

The New York Times - Books

Despite the convulsively jittery address to the role, he is never in the smallest degree engaging in the way director Jon Favreau appears to think.

The Guardian - Film

He writes: "The first, indeed the only requirement of a diet is that it should lose you weight without reducing your alcoholic intake by the smallest degree".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They are keeping a strict eye on the most active people, in order to reduce its impact to the smallest degree possible".

The New York Times

Frequentist approaches to analysis of the latent probability of infection and multinomial classifications based upon results of culture of feces for MAP demonstrated the smallest degree of bias.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

There is a resonant correlation between the repetitions in Glass's music, progressing only by the tiniest of increments, and the animation process of producing a series of near-identical drawings that move forward by the smallest degrees.

The Guardian - Music

Among all degrees, the maximum degree Δ (or the minimum degree δ of Γ is the number of the largest (or the smallest) degrees in Γ (see [11]).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Among all degrees, the maximum degree Δ ( G ) (or the minimum degree δ ( G ) ) of G is the number of the largest (or the smallest) degrees in G ([9]).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Among all degrees, the maximum degree Δ ( G ) (or the minimum degree δ ( G ) ) of G is the number of the largest (or the smallest) degrees in G (see [10]).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The greedy algorithm is to iteratively remove connected vertices with the smallest degrees from the original graph into the new subset, until the cardinality of the new subset reaches the given maximal cardinality or there is no connected vertex.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the smallest degree", ensure you are comparing it to something else. It often implies a comparison or contrast, highlighting the minimal impact or presence in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "the smallest degree" without establishing a clear comparison. It's important to imply that something is less than something else in order for this phrase to be effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the smallest degree" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or intensity of an action or state. It indicates a minimal quantity or impact, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the smallest degree" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to denote a minimal amount or extent. According to Ludwig, its usage is often found in scientific and news-related contexts, implying precision and comparison. While "the smallest degree" is typically used in neutral to formal registers, remember to ensure a clear comparison when using it to highlight the minimal impact. Alternatives like "the slightest extent" or "the least amount" can be used for semantic variation. Ultimately, understanding its precise function and context will enhance clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the slightest extent

Focuses on the extent being extremely small.

the least amount

Emphasizes the quantity being minimal.

the minimal level

Highlights a very low level or threshold.

the tiniest bit

Emphasizes the smallness in a more informal way.

the merest hint

Suggests a very subtle indication or trace.

the lowest measure

Focuses on the quantification and its lower bound.

the negligible amount

Implies the quantity is so small it's practically insignificant.

the imperceptible level

Suggests the level is too low to be easily noticed.

the infinitesimal quantity

Highlights an extremely small, almost immeasurable quantity.

virtually none

Emphasizes that there is nearly nothing present.

FAQs

How can I use "the smallest degree" in a sentence?

Use "the smallest degree" to indicate a minimal amount or extent. For example, "She was affected to "the smallest degree" by the policy change."

What are some alternatives to "the smallest degree"?

You can use alternatives such as "the slightest extent", "the least amount", or "the minimal level" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "to a smallest degree"?

While grammatically understandable, "to a smallest degree" is less common and idiomatic than "to "the smallest degree"". The latter is generally preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "the smallest degree" and "a small degree"?

"The smallest degree" implies a minimum or least amount compared to others, whereas "a small degree" simply indicates a low amount without explicit comparison.