at least some

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at least some" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a minimum quantity or number of something is present or acknowledged, without specifying an exact amount. Example: "At least some of the participants expressed their concerns during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least some money.

The New Yorker

Or at least some Cage.

The New York Times - Arts

At least some of them were.

The New York Times

At least some of that was planned.

The New York Times

Analysts predict at least some change.

The New York Times

"We need at least some broad schematics".

The New York Times

This worries at least some regime figures.

The Economist

At least, some have.

The New York Times

At least some of them.

Harvard University

And at least some have.

The New York Times

Or at least some deadlines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at least some" to indicate that a certain minimum quantity or number is known or expected without specifying the exact amount. It's useful when precision is not required or when the exact number is unknown.

Common error

While "at least some" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "a significant portion" or "a measurable quantity" for added clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least some" functions as a quantifier, indicating a minimum quantity or degree without specifying an exact amount. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at least some" is a versatile and grammatically sound quantifier used to indicate a minimum amount or degree. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to academic writing, though formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives. While very common, overuse in highly formal contexts should be avoided. Common alternatives include "a minimum of" and "at the very least". The phrase's frequency and wide distribution across authoritative sources highlight its general acceptability and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

Highlights the lowest possible expectation.

a minimum of

Emphasizes the minimum acceptable amount.

at a minimum

Similar to "a minimum of" but with a slightly different construction.

no less than

Indicates a quantity that is not smaller than a specified amount.

some portion of

Focuses on a part of a whole, implying that not all is included.

a certain amount of

Indicates an unspecified quantity.

to a certain extent

Implies a limited degree or scope.

partially

Directly expresses that something is only partly true or done.

in some cases

Highlights that something is true for a subset of instances.

some degree of

Indicates a limited level or intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "at least some" to indicate a minimum quantity or degree. For example, "At least some of the participants agreed with the proposal."

What are some alternatives to "at least some"?

Alternatives include "a minimum of", "at the very least", or "no less than", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at least some"?

While grammatically correct, using "at least some" might be less appropriate in contexts requiring precise quantities or formal tone. Consider stronger or more specific alternatives in those cases.

What's the difference between "at least some" and "all"?

"At least some" indicates a portion, but not necessarily the entirety, while "all" indicates the complete set. "At least some" leaves the upper bound undefined, whereas "all" specifies the upper bound.