at least since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at least since" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a period of time that began at some point in the past and is continuing up until the present moment. For example, "The company has been working on this project at least since last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least since 1999.

TechCrunch

Or at least since malbec.

The New York Times - Food

At least since John departed.

The Guardian - Music

"At least since the 15th century.

The New York Times - Food

You've been running for — at least since the 1990s".

The New York Times

You've been running for at least since the 1990s.

The Guardian

That has rarely happened, at least since the 1950s".

The New York Times

Economic inequality has been an academic specialty at least since Gini first put chalk to chalkboard.

The New Yorker

PAIRINGS IN CLAY Western and Japanese potters have influenced one another at least since the 1940s.

The New York Times - Arts

Unemployment and inflation had been high at least since Ahmadinejad assumed the Presidency.

The New Yorker

There have been conflicting schools of thought about "Genji" at least since the twelfth century.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at least since", ensure the time reference is clear and specific. This helps to avoid ambiguity and provides a precise understanding of the duration being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "at least since" with a simple past tense when a present perfect or past perfect tense is more appropriate to indicate a continuing state or action. For example, instead of "The company started at least since 2010", use "The company has been operating at least since 2010".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least since" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause by specifying a point in time from which an action, state, or condition has been ongoing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a standard and correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at least since" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used prepositional phrase that defines a duration from a point in the past continuing to the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. When using "at least since", make sure to clearly specify the time reference to avoid ambiguity, and choose appropriate verb tenses to ensure your message is clear. Related alternatives include "ever since" and "since then". The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for expressing time and duration in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever since

More concise and common alternative with similar meaning.

since then

Focuses on the time elapsed after a specific point.

from that time onward

Emphasizes the continuation from a specific point in time.

from then on

Highlights a change or continuation after a certain event.

following that

Indicates a direct sequence of events after a specific time.

from that moment forward

Emphasizes a continuous state after a particular moment.

subsequently

More formal, emphasizing the sequence of events following a specific time.

in the time since

Highlights the period that has passed after a specific event.

thereafter

Similar to 'subsequently' but often used in legal or formal contexts.

commencing then

More formal, suggesting a deliberate start at a particular time.

FAQs

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

Use "at least since" to indicate a period that began in the past and continues to the present. For example, "The technology has been improving "at least since" the early 2000s".

What phrases are similar to "at least since"?

Similar phrases include "ever since", "since then", and "from that time onward", which also denote a continuing period from a past point.

Is it better to use "at least since" or "since"?

Both are correct, but "at least since" adds emphasis that something has been true from a certain point, and possibly before, while "since" simply indicates the starting point. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "at least since" and "starting from"?

"Starting from" emphasizes the commencement of something, whereas "at least since" focuses on the duration and continuation from a specific time, implying it might have even started before.