at the bottom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “at the bottom” is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the location of something, for example: "The directions for the recipe are printed at the bottom of the page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the bottom".

The New Yorker

Buried at the bottom?

The New York Times

"We were at the bottom".

The New York Times

Finance was at the bottom.

The New York Times

I started at the bottom.

Independent

"And he's at the bottom".

The New York Times

At the bottom, the lobe.

The New Yorker

It starts at the bottom.

Independent

At the bottom are some settings.

The New York Times

They may be starting at the bottom.

The New York Times

(Haitians are all alone at the bottom).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the bottom" to clearly indicate the lowest part of a physical object, a list, or a hierarchy. Be precise about what you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the bottom" when referring to something that isn't explicitly ordered or ranked. For example, instead of saying "The less important tasks are at the bottom", clarify with "The less important tasks are listed at the bottom of the priority list."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the bottom" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify its location or position. Ludwig examples show it indicating physical location (e.g., "At the bottom, the lobe") or relative ranking (e.g., "Finance was at the bottom").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the bottom" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the lowest position, rank, or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is both correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from describing physical locations to indicating hierarchical positions. While most frequently encountered in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it also appears in Formal & Business settings. Remember to use it precisely to avoid ambiguity and clarify the specific context you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the foot

Indicates the lower part of something, often referring to a physical object or space.

at the base

Implies the foundational part of something, where it rests or originates.

at the lowest point

Highlights the absolute minimum or most depressed level of something.

in the depths

Suggests being deeply immersed or situated within something, often a challenging or obscure situation.

in last place

Specifically refers to being ranked the lowest in a competition or hierarchy.

at rock bottom

Emphasizes the lowest possible state or condition, often implying a crisis or turning point.

at its nadir

Indicates the lowest point of a cycle or trend, often used in a more formal or technical context.

at the tail end

Refers to the final part or section of something, often implying a sequence or progression.

at the very end

Highlights the finality of a position or location.

in an inferior position

Describes being in a lower rank or status compared to others.

FAQs

How can I use "at the bottom" in a sentence?

The phrase "at the bottom" is used to indicate the lowest part of something, whether it's a physical object like "The treasure was hidden at the bottom of the chest", or an abstract concept like "Finance was "at the bottom" of her career interests".

What are some alternatives to saying "at the bottom"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at the foot", "at the base", or "in last place" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "on the bottom" instead of "at the bottom"?

While "on the bottom" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "at the bottom" is generally preferred when referring to a specific location or position. "On the bottom" often implies being physically supported by the bottom surface.

What does it mean when someone says they "started at the bottom"?

When someone says they "started "at the bottom"", it typically means they began their career or journey at the lowest rank or level, often implying hard work and progress over time.