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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

"optimum time..."

Does it sound natural to say 'the optimum time is at least 1 week'?

I am describing the optimum length of time needed to obtain a noticeable result.

Thanks

PBF
  

Top answer

It is natural English in terms of sentence construction, and would pass I guess. But, being picky, "optimum" to me usually suggests a maximum, or peak, with the desirability of the outcome dropping off when any parameter is adjusted in any direction. So, "the optimum time is one to two weeks" would IMO be a more standard use of "optimum".

— Mr Wordy

  • It is natural English in terms of sentence construction, and would pass I guess.
  • But, being picky, "optimum" to me usually suggests a maximum, or peak, with the desirability of the outcome dropping off when any parameter is adjusted in any direction.
  • So, "the optimum time is one to two weeks" would IMO be a more standard use of "optimum".
  • An open-ended optimum ("at least") doesn't feel quite so right to me.
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2 Answers
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It is natural English in terms of sentence construction, and would pass I guess. But, being picky, "optimum" to me usually suggests a maximum, or peak, with the desirability of the outcome dropping off when any parameter is adjusted in any direction. So, "the optimum time is one to two weeks" would IMO be a more standard use of "optimum". An open-ended optimum ("at least") doesn't feel quite
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I see. Thank you for your explanation Mr Wordy. ; )

PBF
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