at less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at less" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely a mistaken form of "at least," which is used to indicate a minimum amount or degree. Example: "You should aim to save at least $100 each month for your emergency fund."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

acceleration times at less than nine seconds.

The New York Times

Sauerbrey put it at less than fifty.

The New Yorker

Spending was estimated at less than $5 million.

The New York Times

Prices started at less than $100,000.

The New York Times

I'm also good at less reparable gaffes.

The New York Times - Magazine

had been measured at less than 70.

The New York Times

The magnetometer must be recovered at less than 3 knots.

Columbia University

It was reasonably priced at less than $300.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ltd have excellent static properties at less than 1 K.

Cryogenics

P values were considered statistically significant at less than 0.05.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

7) AT-less promoters.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express a minimum quantity or degree, use "at least" instead of the grammatically incorrect "at less".

Common error

Avoid using "at less" when you intend to convey a minimum value; the correct phrase is "at least". For example, say "The project will cost at least $1000" not "The project will cost at less $1000".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at less" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to specify a minimum or lower limit, but is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct phrase is "at least".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at less" appears frequently across various sources, as analyzed by Ludwig. However, it's essential to recognize that it is grammatically incorrect. Instead, the proper phrase to use is "at least", which indicates a minimum value or degree. Common errors include using "at less" when intending to express a lower limit, and this often occurs in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. Always opt for "at least" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy. According to Ludwig AI, remember to use "at least" when you want to mention a lower limit. Alternatives include phrases such as "at a minimum" and "no less than". In summary, while "at less" is found in numerous sources, "at least" is the grammatically sound choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a minimum

Focuses on setting a lower boundary or threshold.

no less than

Emphasizes that the actual value is not smaller than a specified amount.

at the very least

Adds emphasis to the minimum requirement or expectation.

at a reduced level

Indicates a decrease or lowering of a specific parameter.

at a lower bound

Highlights the lower limit or boundary of a range.

at a decreased rate

Implies a slower pace or frequency compared to a previous state.

at a smaller quantity

Refers to a diminished amount or number of something.

to a lesser extent

Indicates a reduced degree or magnitude of something.

at a diminished capacity

Suggests a reduced ability or capability.

at a lighter volume

Highlights a reduction in the intensity or magnitude.

FAQs

How should I correctly use the phrase "at less"?

The phrase "at less" is generally considered incorrect. The correct phrase to use is "at least", which indicates a minimum quantity or degree. For example, "You need "at least" three years of experience for this job".

What's the difference between "at less" and "at least"?

"At less" is not a standard English phrase. "At least" indicates a minimum or a lower bound. Using "at less" instead of "at least" can change the meaning of your sentence. Always opt for "at least" to denote a minimum.

What are some alternatives to using "at least" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "at a minimum", "no less than", or "at the very least" as alternatives to "at least".

Is it ever correct to use "at less" in formal writing?

No, it is not correct to use "at less" in formal writing. Always use the correct phrase "at least", which is grammatically sound and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts.