at lower rates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at lower rates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing pricing, costs, or interest rates that are reduced compared to a standard or previous rate. Example: "Customers can take advantage of our new service, which is offered at lower rates than our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those same top schools can maintain their credit ratings fairly easily, and so can borrow at lower rates.

Forbes

"They need to borrow at lower rates".

The New York Times

"And they can refinance at lower rates".

The New York Times

"There are new locations at lower rates," he said.

The New York Times

(These procedures persist today, though at lower rates).

The New Yorker

Recently formed polyploid plants diversify at lower rates.

University of California, Berkeley

Their first $90,000 in income is taxed at lower rates.

The New York Times

Put most plainly, the criminals of tomorrow are being born at lower rates.

The New York Times

Acidifying oceans means that corals put down calcium carbonate at lower rates.

The Guardian

(Data show that immigrants actually commit crimes at lower rates than U.S. citizens).

The New Yorker

A million people could have their mortgage debt cut or their loans refinanced at lower rates.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing costs, use "at lower rates" to emphasize the comparative reduction, such as "borrowing at lower rates" to highlight financial advantages.

Common error

Avoid using "at lower rates" in situations where a direct comparison is illogical or humorous. For example, saying "Breathing at lower rates" might be technically correct (slower breathing) but lacks practical context and sounds unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at lower rates" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the circumstances under which an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes that something is happening with reduced costs, prices or levels.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at lower rates" is a versatile phrase used to describe reduced costs, prices, or intensities. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. The phrase serves to inform or persuade, emphasizing benefits associated with these reductions. Remember to use this phrase to accurately highlight comparative advantages in cost, and avoid illogical comparisons for clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at reduced prices

Focuses specifically on a decrease in the monetary cost of something.

at discounted rates

Implies that the rates are being offered at a promotional or reduced price.

at cheaper prices

Similar to "at reduced prices" but emphasizes affordability.

at more affordable rates

Highlights the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of the rates.

at decreased rates

Focuses on the reduction in the rates themselves.

at less expensive rates

Emphasizes a lower cost compared to other options.

at diminished rates

Suggests that rates have been lessened in value or amount.

at pared-down rates

Indicates that the rates have been trimmed or reduced to a minimum.

at cut-rate prices

Implies that the prices are significantly lower than usual, possibly indicating a sale or special offer.

at budget-friendly rates

Highlights the rates' suitability for those with limited funds.

FAQs

How can I use "at lower rates" in a sentence?

You can use "at lower rates" to describe situations where costs, prices, or interest rates are reduced. For example, "The company refinanced its debt "at lower rates" to improve its financial stability."

What are some alternatives to "at lower rates"?

Some alternatives include "at reduced prices", "at discounted rates", or "at cheaper prices", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at a lower rate" instead of "at lower rates"?

Yes, "at a lower rate" is also correct, but it refers to a singular instance or a specific rate, while "at lower rates" implies multiple or general instances of reduced rates. For example: "They offered a loan "at a lower rate" than the bank."

What's the difference between "at lower rates" and "at reduced rates"?

"At lower rates" generally indicates a simple comparison of rates, whereas "at reduced rates" implies that the rates have been actively decreased or discounted.