to a minimum degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to a minimum degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being done or exists to a very small extent or level. Example: "The changes implemented in the project were effective, but only to a minimum degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Explanations of human behaviour typically appeal to the subject's beliefs and desires, as well as other facts about him, and proceed on the assumption that the behaviour in question is rational (at least to a minimum degree).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the fault impact can be limited to a minimum degree.

Journal of Modern Transportation

The segmental power supply is an effective approach in detecting, isolating, and removing fault in time so that a fault can be limited to a minimum level and its impact to a minimum degree, so that the system controllability and maintainability can be improved.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Local working requires the manufacturing of a patented product to a minimum degree within the country, potentially stimulating growth of the local pharmaceutical industry.

Globalization and Health

Varying the definition of a hub to a minimum degree of 100 (n = 309) did not change the significance (Kruskal-Wallis test, H = 218.13; df = 1; P < 0.0001).

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The goal of EC is to estimate the missing MBs in a compressed video bitstream with packet losses, in order to provide a minimum degree of perceptual quality degradation.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

They added that they had also found "possible operational abuses, whereby the search engine apparently imposes exorbitant conditions on its partners or customers, treats them in a discriminatory manner or refuses to guarantee a minimum degree of transparency in the contractual relations that it establishes with them".

The New York Times

The heating power must be carefully designed to achieve a minimum degree of cure.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

The issuing of an (useful) alert is understandably a complex activity involving arrays of sensor networks and data on one side and much work in processing and analyzing data on the other, so as to have a minimum degree of reliability.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Thus, a definition of treatment goals was recently discussed for plaque psoriasis, and a first attempt was made to define a minimum degree of efficacy which should be achieved by topical, phototherapy or systemic therapy evaluated at different time points [ 18].

Archives of Dermatological Research

Just as he made a fortune by cashing in on the Trump brand, Twitter's hundred and forty characters allow him to exercise power with a minimum degree of actual statecraft.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to a minimum degree" when you want to emphasize that an effect or action is present, but only to a very small extent. This can be particularly useful in formal or technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid overuse of minimizing phrases like "to a minimum degree". Overusing them can make your writing seem hesitant or lacking in confidence. Instead, consider whether the qualification is truly necessary or if a stronger statement would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a minimum degree" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or degree to which something occurs. Ludwig examples show it qualifying verbs and adjectives, indicating a limited impact or presence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to a minimum degree" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates something is present or occurs only to a very small extent. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in science, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically sound, and according to Ludwig AI it can be used without problems, overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain writing clarity and confidence. Consider more direct alternatives depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a minimal degree

Changes 'minimum' to 'minimal', emphasizing the smallness of the degree.

to the smallest extent

Replaces 'minimum degree' with 'smallest extent', focusing on the limited scope.

to a slight extent

Substitutes 'minimum degree' with 'slight extent', indicating a small amount or level.

to a limited extent

Replaces 'minimum degree' with 'limited extent', suggesting a restriction in scope.

as little as possible

Uses a more direct phrase to convey the idea of minimizing something.

to the least possible extent

Emphasizes the minimal nature by using 'least possible extent'.

only slightly

Uses an adverbial phrase to indicate a small degree or amount.

in a small measure

Indicates a small amount or degree using 'small measure'.

to a negligible degree

Conveys that the degree is so small it's almost not worth considering.

barely

Uses a single adverb to express that something is happening to a very small degree.

FAQs

How can I use "to a minimum degree" in a sentence?

You can use "to a minimum degree" to indicate that something exists or occurs to a very small extent. For instance, "The project succeeded, but only "to a minimal degree"" suggests limited success.

What phrases are similar to "to a minimum degree"?

Similar phrases include "to a slight extent", "to a limited extent", or "as little as possible", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to a minimum degree" or "to a minimal degree"?

Both "to a minimum degree" and "to a minimal degree" are correct. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey, although the latter is slightly more common.

When should I use "to a minimum degree" instead of a simpler phrase like "slightly"?

Use "to a minimum degree" when you want to be precise about the small extent or impact of something, especially in formal or technical contexts. "Slightly" is more informal and less emphatic.