to the smallest extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to the smallest extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a minimal degree or amount of something. Example: "He was only involved in the project to the smallest extent, contributing just a few ideas during the brainstorming session."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On the other hand, the severity of diseases such as vocal palsy, atrophic vocal cord is largely dependent on the vocal cord closing to the smallest extent (adduction).

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

Therefore, diseases can be assessed by the image of the vocal cord opening to the largest extent, and the seriousness of breathy voice is closely correlated to the gap between vocal cords when closing to the smallest extent.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

Also, due to the unwanted fuzzy images resulting from examination process caused by human factors as well as the non-vocal cord images, texture analysis is added in this study to measure image entropy to establish a screening and elimination system to effectively enhance the accuracy of selecting the image of the vocal cord closing to the smallest extent.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

The stearate salt is shown to affect the curves to the smallest extent, while the most pronounced shifts towards higher pH were observed for PHMG in the form of PE wax (for PCL and PHB), or sulfanilic acid salt (for PLA).

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

For Ricoeur, therefore, "practical wisdom consists in inventing conduct that will best satisfy the exception that solicitude requires by breaking the rule to the smallest extent possible" (Oneself as Another, 269, translation modified).

SEP

If the constraint in (41) is violated, then we select the MUE from the set ({m|beta _{m}=1, p_{m}^{p}=0,ldotsdots,M}) that decreases the objective function in (39) to the smallest extent if its transmit power is set to (P_{text {max}}^{p}).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To the small extent that caregiving has been discussed by politicians, many policy makers have been reluctant to take on the possibility of more direct help -- like tax credits -- which they see as a hugely expensive undertaking.

The New York Times

In contrast, the contact pathway factor XII, and to the smaller extent FXI are dispensable for normal hemostasis but still contribute to pathologic thrombosis.

Duke University

Differently from other GI cancers, reactivation was recognized in small portions of PC cells to the small extent.

BMC Cancer

10.02am BST Arctic sea ice minimum reached On 13 September the Arctic sea ice shrank to one of the smallest extents on record.

The Guardian

At the beginning of the Komnenian period in 1081, the Byzantine Empire had been reduced to the smallest territorial extent in its history.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to the smallest extent", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being minimized. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to the smallest extent" in situations where a more direct term like "slightly" or "minimally" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the smallest extent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the degree or extent to which an action or state is minimized. Ludwig examples show its use in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

17%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to the smallest extent" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is minimized or reduced to the lowest possible degree. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears in science, news and academic texts. While not extremely common, it provides a precise way to express minimization in formal contexts. Related phrases like "to the slightest degree" or "minimally" can serve as alternatives, depending on the desired level of emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what is being minimized. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the slightest degree

Focuses on the minimal level of impact or influence.

to the minimum degree

Emphasizes reaching the lowest possible level.

to the least amount

Highlights the reduced quantity or measure of something.

as little as possible

Expresses a preference for minimizing something in a practical sense.

to the slightest level

Similar to "to the slightest degree", focusing on a minimal level.

to the minimal amount

Emphasizes the reduced quantity while retaining a formal tone.

to the smallest possible amount

Adds emphasis on the effort to make the amount as small as achievable.

hardly at all

Indicates a near absence of something.

not very much

Offers a simple, informal way to express a small quantity.

barely at all

Suggests that something is present only in a very small amount or degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "to the smallest extent" to indicate that something is reduced or minimized as much as possible. For example, "He was involved in the project to the smallest extent, only providing occasional feedback".

What are some alternatives to "to the smallest extent"?

Alternatives include "to the slightest degree", "minimally", or "slightly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to the smallest extent" and "to a small extent"?

"To the smallest extent" implies a greater degree of minimization compared to "to a small extent". The former suggests reducing something to its absolute minimum, while the latter simply indicates a limited degree.

When is it appropriate to use "to the smallest extent" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "to the smallest extent" in formal writing when you want to emphasize that something has been reduced or minimized as much as possible. However, ensure that your wording remains clear and concise.