at least

USAGE SUMMARY

"at least" is a perfectly valid part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when expressing a minimum amount of something, or to emphasize the amount of something. For example: "I need to do at least 10 pushups each day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why "at least"?

Forbes

Well, one at least.

The Guardian - Sport

"Or, at least, Biden".

The New Yorker

Or at least dirty.

The New York Times

At least it moves.

The New York Times

Or at least appetizing.

The New York Times

"I'm alive, at least".

The New York Times

"At least three times".

The New York Times

I do, at least.

The New York Times

At least, history might.

The Economist

At least they're cheap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at least" to set a lower boundary or expectation, providing a sense of assurance even in potentially negative situations. It helps manage expectations and highlight minimum acceptable outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "at least" when you actually mean "at most". "At least" indicates a minimum, not a maximum. For example, saying "It will cost at least $10" means it could cost more, not less. If you are indicating an upper limit instead use "at most".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement by setting a minimum threshold or expressing a lower limit. According to Ludwig and the provided examples, it is often used to introduce a qualification or provide a more positive perspective on a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at least" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minimum quantity, degree, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. It serves to set expectations, provide reassurance, or highlight a positive aspect in a potentially negative situation. While it is frequently used in news and media, it also appears in more formal business and scientific settings. Remember to avoid confusing it with "at most", and use it to effectively communicate the lower boundary of what is acceptable or expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

This phrase provides emphasis, suggesting the bare minimum acceptable outcome.

no less than

This alternative emphasizes the quantity is significant or noteworthy.

at a minimum

Replaces "least" with "minimum" maintaining the core meaning of a lower bound.

to say the least

This is used as an understatement, often implying more could be said.

if nothing else

Highlights a single positive aspect when others might be lacking.

at the lowest

Directly indicates the bottom range or limit of something.

in any case

Shifts focus to a guaranteed outcome, regardless of other factors.

anyway

Suggests something is still true despite possible counterarguments.

in the slightest

Changes the meaning to indicate something is not happening.

to a limited extent

This phrase specifies that something is only true to a certain degree.

FAQs

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

Use "at least" to indicate a minimum quantity or degree. For example, "You need to study "at least" an hour each day" shows the minimum study time required.

What's a good alternative to "at least"?

Alternatives to "at least" include "at the very least", "no less than", or "at a minimum", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "at least"?

Starting a sentence with "at least" is grammatically correct and can be used for emphasis or to introduce a mitigating factor. For example, "At least it's not raining" acknowledges a positive aspect despite other potential drawbacks.

What is the difference between "at least" and "at most"?

"At least" specifies a minimum quantity or degree, while "at most" specifies a maximum. If something costs ""at least" $10", it will cost $10 or more. If it costs "at most $10", it will cost $10 or less.