to the minimum extent possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to the minimum extent possible" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a situation where a particular action should be taken only to the extent that is necessary, such as: "We should reduce costs to the minimum extent possible in order to maximize profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The doctrine of proportionality requires, however, that any exemption from the European Human Rights Convention must be to the minimum extent possible.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It also ensures the use of generator to the minimum extent.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Engineering should accommodate that need to the maximum extent possible.

Engineering Documentation Control Handbook Configuration Management in Industry

Then empower them to the maximum extent possible.

Huffington Post

Although it is difficult, try to continue business as usual to the maximum extent possible".

Huffington Post

I was determined to eliminate temptation to the maximum extent possible.

Huffington Post

"It's so important to take this seriously, to stay indoors to the maximum extent possible," de Blasio told reporters.

Huffington Post

Now the minimum extent has been nearly reached and the sea is starting to refreeze.

The Guardian

Finally, in any case, they were strongly recommended to avoid opioids to the extent possible.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The PET is grown to the greatest extent possible but requiring a minimum nodesize of k  % of the sample.

Human Genetics

What they all are trying to do is to consolidate their power to the extent possible.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for leniency or exceptions, use "to the minimum extent possible" to argue for the narrowest application of a rule or restriction.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to the minimum extent possible" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as little as needed" or "only if necessary" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the minimum extent possible" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree to which an action should be performed or a condition should exist. It expresses a desire to limit or reduce something as much as is feasible. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to the minimum extent possible" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for expressing the idea of limiting something as much as is feasible. Ludwig AI validates its common usage in English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives in casual conversation. When striving for precision and restraint in your writing, this phrase can be a valuable tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To the smallest degree feasible

Changes 'minimum extent' to 'smallest degree' and 'possible' to 'feasible', emphasizing practicality.

To the slightest degree achievable

Replaces 'minimum extent' with 'slightest degree', highlighting the smallness of the reduction, and 'possible' with 'achievable'.

As little as necessary

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning, focusing on necessity.

Only to the necessary degree

Emphasizes the required level without exceeding it.

To the bare minimum

Uses 'bare minimum' to convey the idea of reducing something to its absolute lowest.

Minimize where practical

Focuses on the act of minimizing with an added condition of practicality.

Reduce to the degree needed

Highlights the action of reducing based on the requirement.

Only if absolutely required

Stresses conditionality and necessity.

Keep to a necessary low

Directs to maintain something at the lowest required level.

As minimally as can be

Focuses on minimal action.

FAQs

How can I use "to the minimum extent possible" in a sentence?

Use "to the minimum extent possible" to indicate that something should be done as little as necessary. For instance, "We should use force "to the minimum extent possible" to avoid causing unnecessary harm."

What's a simpler way to say "to the minimum extent possible"?

Alternatives include "as little as necessary", "only when necessary", or "as minimally as possible". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to the maximum extent possible" or "to the minimum extent possible"?

It depends on what you want to emphasize. "To the maximum extent possible" means doing something as much as you can, while "to the minimum extent possible" means doing something as little as you can. They are opposites.

What's the difference between "to the extent possible" and "to the minimum extent possible"?

"To the extent possible" implies doing something as much as circumstances allow. "To the minimum extent possible" implies reducing something as much as allowed. Each phrase has completely different meanings, although the form is very similar.