at the external

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the external" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts discussing external factors or conditions, but it is better to clarify what is meant by "external." Example: "The results were influenced by factors at the external environment."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are very upset and disappointed at the external pressure.

The New York Times

Kirill's reputation as a talented diplomat and skilled negotiator, finely honed during his time at the external relations department, gives him a fresh opportunity to finally make headway.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was difficult decision at the time because you're looking at the external factors of the economy and some of those need some time to manifest themselves.

The New York Times

First, the effects of windfall gains operate both at the external and internal margin, but they tend to be stronger at the external margin.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

are primarily directed not at the external world, but at the present state of our bodies.

SEP

Therefore, the conversion reaction of methanol to DME takes place at the external surface of catalyst.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Surface modification at the external surfaces of the four Itokawa particles was investigated using FE-TEM.

Earth, Planets and Space

During the test, the sample is subjected to hydrostatic stress applied at the external surfaces.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The nanophases forming a densely arranged array at the external surface are indicated by arrows.

Earth, Planets and Space

Fractures in the upper bars accrued at the external joint in the transverse beam.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The point of cord twisting can be identified at the external inguinal orifice.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the external", ensure the context clearly defines what is external. For example, specify "at the external surface of the cell" instead of just "at the external".

Common error

Avoid using "at the external" without specifying what the external reference is. Without a clear reference, the phrase becomes ambiguous and weakens your writing. Instead of saying "problems at the external", specify "problems at the external border" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the external" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to specify location or condition. As shown by Ludwig, it appears across multiple domains, mostly science and news. It's important to specify what "external" modifies to avoid ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the external" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a location or condition pertaining to the outer part of something. As Ludwig AI explains, its primary use appears in scientific and news media contexts. While grammatically acceptable, it benefits from added specificity to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just "at the external", specify "at the external surface" or "at the external boundary". Related phrases include "on the outside" and "at the outer edge", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the external

Offers a shortened version while maintaining the core meaning, making it more concise.

on the outside

Focuses on the surface or outer part, replacing "external" with a more common term.

at the exterior

Uses a more formal synonym for "outside", maintaining a similar level of specificity.

at the outer edge

Specifies a location at the farthest boundary, adding a spatial element.

on the surface

Focuses on the outermost layer or appearance, simplifying the phrase.

in the external environment

Emphasizes the surrounding conditions or context, providing a broader scope.

regarding external factors

Highlights the influence of outside elements, shifting the focus to causal agents.

in terms of external influences

Places emphasis on the impacting forces from the outside, expanding the concept.

concerning external aspects

Directs attention to particular facets that are outwardly oriented.

with respect to external conditions

Considers the prevailing outside circumstances, adding a layer of environmental context.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "at the external" more specific?

To improve clarity, specify what the "external" refers to. For instance, instead of "at the external", use phrases like "at the "at the external surface"", "at the external border", or "at the external edge" to provide a clearer context.

What does "at the external" typically refer to in scientific contexts?

In scientific writing, "at the external" often describes locations or processes occurring on the outer layers or surfaces of cells, materials, or other subjects of study. Always ensure the specific external entity is clearly identified.

Which is better, "at the external" or "on the external"?

While both can be grammatically acceptable depending on the context, "on the external" is less common. "At the external" is generally preferred when referring to a specific point or location. To determine the best fit in the sentence you can replace "at the external" with other alternatives like "on the outside" or "at the outer edge".

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "at the external" in a sentence?

To prevent confusion, provide additional details about what is considered external. For example, instead of saying "issues at the external", specify "issues "regarding external factors"" or "issues at the external boundary of the system".