to minimize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to minimize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree. Example: "Our goal is to minimize the risks associated with this project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've had to minimize".

The New York Times

We need to minimize that".

The New York Times

"You try to minimize the risk".

The New York Times

Is it an attempt to minimize risk?

The New York Times

"I just wanted to minimize my damage.

The New York Times - Sports

It exists to minimize risk.

The New Yorker

This is not to minimize the issue.

The New York Times

Comment on efforts to "minimize aircraft noise".

The New Yorker

Still, Republicans tried to minimize the defection.

The New York Times

If Smith continues to minimize his mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

But we try to minimize that".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "to minimize" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "to mitigate" or "to reduce".

Common error

Avoid using "to minimize" as a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes, terms like "reduce", "lessen", or "mitigate" are more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Choose the word that most accurately reflects the action you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to minimize" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intended outcome of an action. It specifies the aim of reducing something to the smallest possible degree. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to minimize" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates the intent to reduce something to the smallest possible degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and general writing. While "to minimize" is generally versatile, remember to consider the specific nuances of your writing and to use more precise words like "reduce", "lessen", or "mitigate" when appropriate. Understanding these alternatives can help you communicate more effectively and avoid overusing "to minimize".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reduce

This alternative is more general and implies a decrease in quantity or intensity, not necessarily to the smallest possible amount.

to lessen

This alternative suggests a decrease in severity or impact, rather than size or quantity.

to decrease

This alternative focuses on the act of becoming smaller or less, often in a measurable way.

to diminish

This alternative implies a gradual reduction, often in importance or reputation.

to curtail

This alternative suggests restricting or cutting back on something, often abruptly.

to alleviate

This alternative focuses on easing or relieving something burdensome, like pain or suffering.

to mitigate

This alternative emphasizes reducing the severity or impact of something negative, like risks or damages.

to curtail

This alternative indicates a reduction or restriction, often with a sense of control or authority.

to keep down

This alternative implies restraining or suppressing something, preventing it from increasing.

to keep under control

This alternative suggests maintaining something at a manageable level, preventing it from becoming excessive.

FAQs

How can I use "to minimize" in a sentence?

You can use "to minimize" to indicate reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree. For example, "The company implemented new strategies "to minimize costs"".

What can I say instead of "to minimize"?

Alternatives to "to minimize" include "to reduce", "to lessen", "to mitigate", or "to decrease", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to minimize" instead of "to reduce"?

"To minimize" is best used when the goal is to bring something down to the absolute smallest amount possible. "To reduce", on the other hand, simply means to make something smaller or less; it doesn't necessarily imply achieving the smallest possible value.

Is "to minimise" just a different spelling of "to minimize"?

Yes, "to minimise" is the British English spelling, while "to minimize" is the American English spelling. Both have the same meaning and are grammatically correct in their respective dialects.