at the bottom of the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the bottom of the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the position of an item or entry that is last in a sequence or ranking. Example: "The final item at the bottom of the list is the most recent addition to our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Japan was at the bottom of the list.

The Washington Post

The Pavarotti people are at the bottom of the list.

The New York Times - Arts

Lithuanians were at the bottom of the list.

The New York Times - Health

But who's at the bottom of the list?

The Guardian

(Haiti is at the bottom of the list).

The New York Times

I was at the bottom of the list.

Independent

Most of the states at the bottom of the list were in the South and West.

The New York Times

At the bottom of the list were cities struggling in these areas.

The Guardian

At the bottom of the list of seven countries were Britain and South Africa.

The New York Times

And, after a long day, responding to the press goes at the bottom of the list".

The New Yorker

General Motors, which lost 14.9percentt, was at the bottom of the list.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the bottom of the list" to describe rankings, ensure the criteria for ranking are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's based on popularity, performance, or another metric.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "at the bottom of the list" always implies negativity. In some contexts, such as a list of priorities where the bottom items are those to be addressed last, it simply indicates timing, not necessarily importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the bottom of the list" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to indicate a position or ranking. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

23%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the bottom of the list" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the lowest or last position in a ranking or sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily in news, wiki entries, and academic writing. While it often suggests a lower status, context dictates its precise connotation, and it's crucial to avoid misinterpreting it solely as negative. Alternatives like ""last on the list"" or ""lowest on the list"" can be used for variety or emphasis. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and prevents potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last on the list

Replaces "bottom" with "last", emphasizing the final position in a sequence.

lowest on the list

Substitutes "bottom" with "lowest", focusing on the ranking or value aspect.

at the tail end of the list

Uses a more descriptive term, "tail end", to indicate the final part of the list.

at the very end of the list

Adds emphasis with "very", highlighting the definitive last position.

in last place on the list

Explicitly states the position as "last place", suitable for competitive contexts.

bringing up the rear on the list

An idiomatic expression that implies being at the back or end of the list.

ranked last on the list

Focuses on the ranking aspect, indicating the lowest rank.

occupying the lowest position on the list

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing the same idea.

at rock bottom of the list

This alternative, more dramatic, emphasize the state of being last, associating with negativity.

at the list's nadir

Nadir indicates the low point, but is less common and more academic.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the bottom of the list" to indicate the lowest position in a ranking or sequence. For example, "Customer satisfaction was "at the bottom of the list" of priorities this quarter."

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

Some alternatives include "last on the list", "lowest on the list", or "at the tail end of the list", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to be "at the bottom of the list"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a lower ranking or less importance, it can simply indicate the last item in a sequence or a task to be completed last. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

Which is correct, "at the bottom of the list" or "on the bottom of the list"?

"At the bottom of the list" is the correct and more common phrasing. "On the bottom of the list" is less idiomatic and less frequently used.