the smallest possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the smallest possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least amount or degree of something that can be achieved or measured. Example: "We need to find the smallest possible solution to this problem to minimize costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chris Skidmore believes in the smallest possible state.

The Guardian

The smallest possible bang might take in Slovenia and Estonia.

The Economist

I'll compress time and space into the smallest possible area.

The New York Times - Magazine

Doolan is creeping up on him in the smallest possible increments.

The Guardian - Sport

For the smallest possible amount of time, they're both plunged into terrifyingly unfamiliar territory.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's the smallest possible building block of democracy this tiny atom on which everything rests".

The New Yorker

The smallest possible fragment, containing 10 carbon atoms, was first discovered in petroleum in 1933.

The New York Times - Science

I trimmed my code down to the smallest possible, reproducible example of h.t > h.tstop.

Yale University

Can you efficiently color the dots with the smallest possible number of colors?

Princeton University

Lean focuses on building the smallest possible piece of a product in order to test it.

Harvard Business Review

Leyonhjelm is a libertarian who believes in the free market and the smallest possible government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, use "the smallest possible" to convey the idea of minimizing something without sacrificing clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the smallest possible" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve readability. Sometimes, directness is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the smallest possible" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the minimum extent or degree achievable. Ludwig examples show its use across a wide variety of contexts to emphasize minimization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the smallest possible" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to denote the minimum extent or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts, demonstrate its reliability. When aiming for efficiency and clarity, incorporating "the smallest possible" can effectively convey the need for minimization and optimization across various contexts. Related phrases such as "the minimum achievable" and "the absolute minimum" offer similar semantic value and can prevent overuse of the initial query. Remember, while minimization is often a positive attribute, consider the context to determine whether absolute minimization aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the minimum achievable

Focuses on what can be achieved at a minimum level.

the least attainable

Emphasizes the lowest level that can be reached or obtained.

the absolute minimum

Highlights the lowest boundary or limit that can be reached.

the tiniest imaginable

Emphasizes how small something can be conceived to be.

the bare minimum

Focuses on only meeting the most basic requirements.

the lowest conceivable

Implies the lowest level that is possible to imagine.

the nethermost

Emphasizes the position of something being located at a lower level or place.

the uttermost

Implies the position of something being located at an extreme limit or remoteness.

the infimum

Mathematical term for the greatest lower bound.

the net minimum

Highlights the minimum value after deductions or adjustments.

FAQs

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

You can use "the smallest possible" to describe the minimum size, amount, or degree of something. For example, "We aimed to use "the smallest possible amount" of resources for the project".

What are some alternatives to "the smallest possible"?

Alternatives include "the minimum achievable", "the least attainable", or "the absolute minimum". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always best to aim for "the smallest possible"?

Not necessarily. While minimizing resources or impact is often desirable, sometimes prioritizing quality or thoroughness is more important than aiming for "the bare minimum".

What's the difference between "the smallest possible" and "the absolute smallest"?

"The smallest possible" implies finding the minimum within a given set of constraints or conditions, whereas "the absolute smallest" suggests finding the overall, unconstrained minimum. The terms can often be used interchangeably, but the former often carries a nuance of practicality, while the latter emphasizes theoretical minimality.