at least when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at least when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific condition or time frame in which something is true or applicable. Example: "I enjoy running, at least when the weather is nice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least when I'mhere.

The New York Times - Books

At least when pregnant.

The New York Times

At least when you start.

The Washington Post

At least when it comes to housing.

The Washington Post

At least, when her world was school.

The New Yorker

At least when he's with Dolores.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We are all legends — at least when we're dead.

The New Yorker

asceticism into me at least when I pass the grocery.

The New Yorker

(At least when it goes against their team, that is).

The New Yorker

He likes playing God, at least when he is typing.

The New York Times - Books

Austerity works, at least when coupled with structural reforms.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at least when", ensure that the condition you specify is directly relevant and provides necessary context for the statement you're making.

Common error

Avoid using "at least when" in situations where the condition is obvious or doesn't significantly alter the meaning of the sentence. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least when" functions as a conditional conjunction, connecting a main clause with a subordinate clause that specifies a condition. Ludwig AI shows the phrase indicates a circumstance under which the statement is valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at least when" functions as a conditional conjunction that adds a condition to the sentence, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's prevalent in news and media, serving to specify the circumstances under which a statement holds true. While grammatically sound and common, ensure that using "at least when" adds valuable context and clarity to your writing. It is considered a neutral phrase, usable in most writing situations. Be sure to use the guidance provided to maximize the clarity of your writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least when

Emphasizes the minimal requirement or condition that must be met.

at a minimum when

Replaces "least" with "a minimum", emphasizing a lower bound or necessary condition.

specifically when

Emphasizes a condition when something is true.

but only when

Directly limits the truth of a statement to a specific condition.

if nothing else when

Highlights that something is true under a specific condition, even if other aspects are uncertain.

in particular when

Highlights a specific situation or circumstance.

even if only when

Suggests that something is true only in a particular situation or time.

solely in instances when

Indicates the exception applies only when some conditions are met.

at the earliest when

Focuses on the earliest possible time something can occur.

if not always then when

Acknowledges the possibility of something being true sometimes if it is not always.

FAQs

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

"At least when" is used to specify a condition under which a statement is true. For example, "I enjoy running, "at least when" the weather is nice."

What are some alternatives to "at least when"?

You can use alternatives such as "at a minimum when", "if nothing else when", or "at the very least when" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include a comma before "at least when"?

Yes, typically a comma precedes "at least when" to separate the main clause from the conditional clause that follows.

How does "at least when" differ from "only when"?

"At least when" indicates a minimum condition for something to be true, whereas "only when" suggests that a specific condition is the sole requirement for something to occur.