at most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at most" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a maximum limit or the highest possible amount of something. Example: "You can have at most three pieces of cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At most.

The New York Times

At most 1%.

The New York Times

Twenty minutes, at most.

The New Yorker

An eyeroll, at most.

The New York Times - Sports

Three at most.

The New York Times

At most, two.

The Economist

I'm slow at most everything.

The New Yorker

At most fifty per cent.

The New Yorker

Maybe five times at most.

The New Yorker

Look at most think tanks.

The New York Times

So, at most, does aquavit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at most" when you want to clearly specify the upper limit of something, leaving no room for ambiguity. For example, "You can invite at most ten guests to the party."

Common error

Avoid using "at most" when you need to convey an average or typical amount. It is designed to establish the highest possible quantity, not a general estimate. Instead of "At most people like ice cream", say "Most people like ice cream".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at most" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating an upper limit or maximum quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies the greatest amount or degree permissible or expected. It provides a constraint on the quantity or degree being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

35%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at most" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to define an upper limit or maximum value, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound, widely understood, and appropriate for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. Remember to use it when you want to clearly indicate the highest possible amount, and be mindful not to use it when referring to averages or minimums. Consider alternatives like "no more than" or "a maximum of" for similar effect. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "at most" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the most

Similar to "at most", but slightly more emphatic about the limit.

no more than

Emphasizes that the quantity or degree cannot exceed a certain point.

a maximum of

Directly states the upper limit allowed or possible.

not greater than

Formally expresses that a value should not be larger than the stated limit.

not exceeding

Formally indicates a limit that should not be surpassed.

at upper limit

Specifically indicates the extreme allowable amount.

at the outside

Suggests an estimated upper limit, often implying a degree of uncertainty.

up to

Indicates a range with a specified upper limit.

at ceiling

Indicates a maximum level or threshold that cannot be exceeded.

no bigger than

Relates to size, volume or value and indicates the higher bound.

FAQs

How do I use "at most" in a sentence?

Use "at most" to indicate a maximum limit or upper bound. For example, "The project should take "at most two weeks" to complete".

What phrases can I use instead of "at most"?

Alternatives to "at most" include "no more than", "a maximum of", or "at the most". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "at most" and "at the most"?

The phrases "at most" and "at the most" are largely interchangeable. However, "at the most" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on the limit being discussed.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at most"?

Using "at most" would be incorrect if you intend to express a minimum quantity rather than a maximum. In such cases, consider using "at least" instead. For example, "You need "at least three people" to form a team".