at least equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at least equal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing two items or ideas, and you want to describe that one of the items or ideas is at least as good or as important as the other. For example: "The proposed plan for the new development must be at least equal to the existing plan in terms of environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, processual factors were of at least equal importance.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

So the car is of at least equal importance.

The New York Times - Sports

But Suicide surely merit at least equal billing.

The Guardian - Music

In Edo painting, the pleasure principle gets at least equal time with moral principles.

The New York Times - Arts

This will be at least equal to the value of the cost of the rental.

The Guardian - Travel

Moscow seems to be placing at least equal emphasis on developing the Arctic's deposits of gas.

The New York Times

"Managers today have to be at least equal parts communicator and strategist".

The New York Times - Sports

As dramatists, they at least equal the playwrights who have been their contemporaries.

The New York Times - Arts

In these investigations the thickness was at least equal to 2 × 10−2 cm.

Nature

memoirs, and is at least equal to most business-scandal books you are likely to find.

The New York Times

We ought to be spending at least equal time discussing decreasing demand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two entities, use "at least equal" to indicate that one is not inferior to the other, and may potentially be superior. This suggests a lower bound of equivalence.

Common error

Avoid using "at least equal" when you intend to convey strict equality. The phrase implies a minimum level of equivalence, allowing for the possibility of one item surpassing the other in value or magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least equal" functions as a modifier, indicating a minimum threshold of equivalence. It is commonly used to establish a baseline, suggesting that something is no less than a certain standard or value. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at least equal" is a versatile tool for indicating a minimum level of equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse domains. Usage patterns reveal its prevalence in news, science, and academic contexts. When writing, remember that it sets a lower bound, allowing for the possibility of exceeding the reference point. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives such as "no less than equal" or "on par with". Avoid using it when you mean strict equality. By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure effective communication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no less than equal

Emphasizes that the item is not inferior in any way, maintaining a level of equivalence.

equal or greater than

Explicitly states the possibility of exceeding the reference point.

not less than equal

Similar to 'no less than equal', stressing the equivalence without inferiority.

on par with

Indicates a level of equivalence or comparability.

comparable to

Suggests similarity and near equivalence, though not necessarily identical.

of the same value

Highlights the identical value or worth of the compared items.

equivalent to

Directly states the equivalence of the compared items.

as good as

Indicates a level of quality or performance that is comparable.

matches in quality

Focuses on the equivalence of quality between items.

corresponds to

Implies a direct relationship or equivalence.

FAQs

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

Use "at least equal" when comparing two things, suggesting that one is not less than the other, and possibly greater. For example: "The new budget should allocate resources "at least equal" to the previous year's allocation."

What phrases can I use instead of "at least equal"?

Alternatives to "at least equal" include "equal or greater than", "no less than equal", or "on par with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "at least equal" or "at the least equal"?

"At least equal" is the correct and more common phrasing. "At the least equal" is grammatically awkward and rarely used.

What's the difference between "at least equal" and "exactly equal"?

"At least equal" means something is not less than something else and can be greater, while "exactly equal" means the two things are identical in value or amount. For example: "The compensation must be "at least equal" to the minimum wage," versus "The sides of the square are "exactly equal"".