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Chavoduque Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Extremely minimal

Is the expression "Extremely minimal" correct? I'm reviewing a document I have to submit and find the combination annoying....Emotion: surprise

I've seen it used frequently, however, it sounds redudndant as minimal is already a superlative, its the littlest. Then how can it be extremely littlest? Please help, I have to submit this document....
  

Top answer

Hi, Welcome to the Forum. Briefly put, I'd say this expression is fine in everyday speech but should definitely be avoided in a formal document. Best wishes, Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, Welcome to the Forum.
  • Briefly put, I'd say this expression is fine in everyday speech but should definitely be avoided in a formal document.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Briefly put, I'd say this expression is fine in everyday speech but should definitely be avoided in a formal document.

Best wishes, Clive
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Thank you, Clive.

So happy to be in the forum. I still feel weird saying extremely minimal, even for everyday speech.

Found a similar one that could be the same and would like to replace it with something more elegant:

extremely likely

(as in something extremely likely to happen)

any suggestions?

Thanks again,
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Hi,

I guess 'extremely likely' is somewhat similar, but I wouldn't have as much concern about it, because 'likely' does not sound quite as absolute as 'minimal'.

I suggest that you just try to learn to live with these kind of expressions, as they are very common. Don't over-analyze them.

Best wishes, Clive
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