at all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at all" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used for emphasis, often in negative sentences or questions, to indicate that something is not the case or to stress the absence of something. Example: "I don't like broccoli at all; it’s my least favorite vegetable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At all.

The New York Times

Not easy at all.

The New York Times

house at all.

The New Yorker

MACDONALD Not at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Baldwin Not at all.

The New York Times

Mary: Not at all.

The New York Times

JT: "Not at all.

BBC

Feder: Not at all.

Forbes

Raphael: Not at all.

BBC

KARA_SWISHER: Not at all.

Forbes

Anything at all! Anything at all!

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "at all" at the end of a sentence or clause for emphasis. This positioning often strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "at all" in affirmative sentences where it doesn't logically fit. It's primarily for negative contexts; using it otherwise can sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at all" primarily functions as an intensifier, particularly in negative contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to emphasize the absence or lack of something. Examples show it often appears at the end of a clause to strengthen the negation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at all" is a versatile intensifier primarily used to emphasize negative statements and questions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical function is to add force and clarity, ensuring that a denial or lack of something is clearly understood. With Very common usage across various contexts including news, media, science and wiki, it demonstrates a neutral register appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "at all", make sure to place it in negative contexts to avoid awkward phrasing. Alternatives such as "whatsoever" and "in the slightest" can provide similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatsoever

Emphasizes the absence of something to any degree.

in the slightest

Highlights a minimal degree or amount.

in any way

Indicates a lack of possibility or method.

in the least

Similar to 'in the slightest', emphasizing a very small amount.

to any extent

Highlights the absence of something to any degree.

in the remotest degree

Emphasizes a very minimal possibility.

under any circumstances

Highlights absence of possibilities in all situations.

by any means

Indicates a lack of available methods.

on any account

Stresses the absence of justification or reason.

not a bit

Informal way of saying "not at all".

FAQs

How can I use "at all" in a sentence?

Use "at all" to emphasize a negative statement or question. For example, "I don't understand it "at all"" or "Are you sure you want to go "at all"?".

What phrases are similar to "at all"?

Similar phrases include "whatsoever", "in the slightest", and "in any way". They all emphasize the absence or lack of something.

Is it correct to use "at all" in a positive sentence?

While grammatically possible, using "at all" in a positive sentence is rare and can sound awkward. It's best used in negative statements or questions for emphasis. In some cases you may prefer to use "at every".

What's the difference between "not at all" and "not really"?

"Not "at all"" indicates a complete absence or negation, while "not "not really"" suggests a partial or qualified negation. The former is stronger and more absolute.