at lower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at lower than" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when trying to express a comparison of something being below a certain level or value. Example: "The temperature is at lower than freezing point."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

earnings at lower than previously estimated tax rates".

The New York Times

Fourth, N-fixing trees might adjust N fixation more at lower than at higher latitudes.

Princeton University

Of these, 150,467 were sold at lower than full price in the UK and Ireland.

The Guardian

Channel 4 insiders had previously put the cost at lower than £5m.

The Guardian

Trains were eventually allowed to resume travel over the bridge, but at lower than normal speeds.

The New York Times

Mostly, people whose family incomes grew at lower than average rates.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It worked, delivering a sharp reduction in pollution at lower-than-predicted cost.

The New York Times

The U.S. nuclear fleet is operating at lower-than-normal capacity because of cooling challenges.

MIT Technology Review

Demand has been strong at the first two auctions, which offer short-term loans at lower-than-usual interest rates.

The New York Times

Hudetz administers anesthesia to human volunteers at lower-than-clinical levels to observe their brains as they slip into unconsciousness.

MIT Technology Review

The co-pilot took his plane into the air at lower-than-normal speed to avoid the 727.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making comparisons, prefer using "below", "under", or "less than" for clarity and grammatical correctness. For example, say "prices are below market value" instead of "prices are at lower than market value".

Common error

Avoid using the redundant phrase "at lower than". Simplify your writing by opting for the direct and grammatically sound alternatives, ensuring your message is clear and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at lower than" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to establish a comparison. However, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. It tries to specify that something is beneath a certain level or value, similar to using prepositions such as below or under.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "at lower than" is commonly used, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's typically used to express that something is below a certain level or value, but the word 'at' is redundant and unnecessary. For clearer and more grammatically sound writing, opt for alternatives such as "below", "under", or "less than". These options ensure your message is conveyed accurately and effectively, maintaining both clarity and grammatical correctness. The high frequency of "at lower than" doesn't negate its incorrectness; it simply highlights a common error to avoid in favor of more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than

A straightforward expression for indicating a quantity or value is smaller than another.

lower than the level of

More verbose but emphasizes the comparison to a specific level.

below

Directly indicates something is positioned or valued underneath a specified level.

under

Suggests a level or quantity less than a stated amount or standard.

smaller than

Suitable for comparing sizes, quantities, or amounts.

beneath

Implies a lower position, either physically or figuratively.

not as high as

Focuses on height or degree, indicating something doesn't reach a certain standard.

inferior to

Highlights a comparison where one thing is considered of lesser quality or status.

at a diminished level compared to

A formal way to point out a reduced state relative to something else.

subceeding

A more technical or formal term for 'being less than'.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "at lower than" in a sentence?

The phrase "at lower than" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "below", "under", or "less than" for accurate comparisons.

What's wrong with saying "at lower than"?

It's a redundant construction. The word "at" is unnecessary because "lower than" already establishes a comparison. Using just "lower than", "below", or "under" makes the sentence clearer and more grammatically sound.

Is there a specific context where "at lower than" is acceptable?

While some instances of the phrase might appear in various texts, it's generally advised to avoid it in formal writing. Opt for "less than", "below", or "under" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

What are some alternatives to "at lower than" for prices?

When discussing prices, use phrases like "below market price", "under retail value", or "cheaper than". These options are grammatically correct and commonly used.