thinnest possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinnest possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is as thin as it can be, often in contexts related to materials, designs, or concepts where minimal thickness is desired. Example: "For this project, we need to use the thinnest possible layer of paint to achieve the desired effect without adding bulk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"It's the thinnest possible mask of masculinity.

The Guardian - Music

This is a wild land of enormous skies, nomadic herders and vast farms with the thinnest possible veneer of modernity.

The New York Times - Travel

Add cilantro, mix well and set aside. 2. Slice meat diagonally, against the grain, into the thinnest possible slices, about 1 1/2 inches wide.

The New York Times - Food

Graphene is the thinnest solid ever known, indeed the thinnest possible: it is a sheet of linked carbon atoms just one atom thick.

The Economist

Fried calamari showed the same light touch, coated in the thinnest possible fried batter, entirely oil-free, and surrounded by long tendrils of batter-fried zucchini that melted in the mouth.

The New York Times - Food

At work, she would presumably wear surgical gloves, thin latex ones offering the thinnest possible barrier between doctor and patient and yet any barrier destroys that essential feel of flesh on flesh.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The process became as simple as combining flour, olive oil, salt and water in a food processor, dividing the batch into 12 balls and rolling them out as thin possible.

The New York Times

In order to shorten the time of the surgical procedures we obtained the thinner possible lenticules using as molds the "best fitting" contact lenses for each operative eye.

BMC Ophthalmology

If you're forced to use larger pieces of starter fuel such as paper or large leaves, try ripping them into thin strips (as thin as possible) before lighting.

WikiHow

I use the thinnest gauge possible.

The New York Times - Sports

Using a very sharp knife, cut the steak in the thinnest strips possible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications or design constraints, use "thinnest possible" to convey the importance of minimizing the dimension.

Common error

Avoid using "thinnest possible" in contexts where a more descriptive adjective (e.g., delicate, fine, sheer) would better convey the desired nuance. Overuse in creative writing can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinnest possible" primarily functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the extreme degree of thinness achievable. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts where minimizing thickness is a key objective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

46%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thinnest possible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that emphasizes the act of minimizing thickness. Analysis by Ludwig shows that it appears across diverse domains, including News & Media and Science, signaling its adaptability. Although versatile, it's vital to use "thinnest possible" judiciously, opting for richer, more descriptive terms when writing creatively. This phrase is valuable in conveying precision, specifically when referring to design constraints or technical goals. The use of related alternatives such as "minimum thickness" or "as thin as achievable" can provide even greater accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum thickness

Emphasizes the lower limit of thickness rather than the process of minimizing it.

smallest possible thickness

Highlights the size aspect alongside the possibility.

most slender

Focuses on a graceful thinness, suitable for describing shapes rather than layers.

ultra-thin

Implies a technologically advanced degree of thinness.

as thin as achievable

Stresses the limit imposed by practical constraints.

extremely fine

Suggests a delicate or precise degree of thinness.

wafer-thin

Compares the thinness to that of a wafer, implying fragility.

finest layer

Emphasizes the layered structure, indicating the thinnest among layers.

hairline

Used to suggest something as thin as a strand of hair.

paper-thin

Compares thinness to paper, indicating a delicate and easily torn quality.

FAQs

How can I use "thinnest possible" in a sentence?

You can use "thinnest possible" to describe physical objects, like "the engineers aimed for the "thinnest possible" coating on the lens" or abstract concepts, such as "they maintained the "thinnest possible" margin for error".

What is a good substitute for "thinnest possible"?

Depending on the context, you might use "minimum thickness", "smallest possible thickness", or "as thin as achievable".

Is it correct to say "thinest possible" instead of "thinnest possible"?

No, "thinest" is not the correct superlative form of "thin". The correct form is "thinnest". Therefore, ""thinnest possible"" is the grammatically correct phrase.

What does "as thin as possible" mean in comparison to "thinnest possible"?

"As thin as possible" indicates an action or effort to reduce thickness to its limit. "Thinnest possible" describes the state of being at that limit, emphasizing the result.