at bottom

USAGE SUMMARY

"at bottom" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means essentially "at heart" or "fundamentally" and is often used to mean basic or fundamental truths. For example: At bottom, most people just want to be happy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Trinity is "at bottom mysterious" (73 4).

SEP

(See recipe at bottom).

The New Yorker

Updated Saturday afternoon, at bottom.

The New Yorker

Answers at bottom. 1.

The New York Times

At bottom, it's white.

The New York Times - Magazine

NEW ORLEANS — At bottom, football is math.

The New York Times - Sports

It is, at bottom, all a negotiation.

The New York Times

(See update at bottom of article).

Independent

This is, at bottom, a horror movie.

The New York Times

At bottom, though, I think it's indifference.

The New Yorker

A fan can, at bottom, understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at bottom" to introduce a fundamental truth or underlying reason after discussing superficial aspects of a topic. It helps to refocus the reader on the core issue.

Common error

Avoid using "at bottom" when you simply mean "at the end" or "at the base". The phrase implies a deeper, more fundamental truth rather than just a physical location or concluding point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at bottom" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate the fundamental or essential nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in this capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at bottom" functions as an adverbial phrase used to highlight a fundamental truth or underlying cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and more analytical writing. While very common, it is important to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "in the end" to avoid misapplication. Usage data shows its frequent presence in sources like The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of something, similar to "at bottom".

essentially

Highlights the core or intrinsic nature, much like "at bottom" does.

basically

Indicates the underlying or most important aspect, akin to "at bottom".

in essence

Conveys the central or most important aspect, comparable to "at bottom".

at heart

Focuses on the fundamental nature or true feelings, similar to "at bottom".

in reality

Emphasizes the actual state of affairs, which can align with the underlying truth implied by "at bottom".

when all is said and done

Highlights the final or most important consideration, similar to revealing the bottom line.

in the final analysis

Suggests a comprehensive evaluation leading to a fundamental conclusion, akin to "at bottom".

underneath it all

Emphasizes what exists beneath the surface, aligning with the uncovering aspect of "at bottom".

when you get right down to it

Focuses on the essential or most basic elements after stripping away extraneous details, similar to "at bottom".

FAQs

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

Use "at bottom" to introduce the most fundamental or essential aspect of a situation. For example, "At bottom, the issue is trust".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "at bottom"?

Alternatives include "fundamentally", "essentially", or "basically". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it correct to use "at bottom" in formal writing?

Yes, "at bottom" is appropriate for formal writing when used to convey a fundamental truth or underlying cause. Its usage is supported by numerous reputable sources.

What's the difference between "at bottom" and "in the end"?

"At bottom" refers to the most basic or fundamental aspect, while "in the end" refers to the final outcome or result. While they can sometimes overlap, "at bottom" emphasizes the underlying truth, unlike "in the end".