at the least

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the least" is a perfectly grammatical phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you might say: "I'm hoping to get a raise at the least." This phrase is used to express an idea that something is the bare minimum of what you are expecting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Threatening behaviour, at the least.

Independent

They are at the least predictable.

The New York Times

IT is at the least ironic.

The Economist

Same man, different yeasts, at the least.

The New York Times

At the least, it was perfectly balanced.

The New York Times - Food

They deserve hope, at the least.

The New York Times - Sports

At the least, it's a unique shape.

The New York Times

At the least, it is very useful".

The New York Times

But all those claims were – at the least – overstated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tuesday's decision will, at the least, delay prosecutors' plans.

The New York Times - Sports

It is very unethical at the least and probably illegal...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the least" to set a lower bound on expectations or requirements in a negotiation or when making suggestions. For instance: "We should aim for a 10% increase in sales; at the least, we need to maintain current levels."

Common error

Don't confuse "at the least" with "at last". "At the least" indicates a minimum expectation, while "at last" signifies something happening after a long delay. For example, it's incorrect to say "At the least, the project is finished," when you mean "At last, the project is finished."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the least" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a minimum expectation or qualification. Ludwig examples show it is used to indicate the lowest acceptable standard or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the least" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a minimum expectation or qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news media highlights its widespread applicability. While "at the least" is appropriate for various contexts, it is important to avoid confusion with phrases like "at last". Alternatives such as ""at a minimum"" or ""at the very least"" can provide a slightly more formal tone when needed. Ultimately, using "at the least" effectively involves understanding its function in setting a lower limit on expectations, and avoiding common pitfalls in similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

Adding "very" reinforces the idea that this is the absolute minimum.

at a minimum

This alternative emphasizes the lowest acceptable quantity or degree.

as a bare minimum

This phrase explicitly states that the described thing is the minimum required or expected.

at the lowest

This highlights the smallest possible extent or degree.

to say the least

This is often used as an understatement, implying that the situation is more extreme.

if nothing else

Suggests that even if other outcomes are not achieved, this minimum should occur.

in the slightest

This emphasizes the minimal level or degree.

at any rate

Indicates a basic condition or expectation that remains true regardless of other factors.

if only

Expresses a wish for the stated outcome, implying it is the minimum acceptable result.

to a minimum extent

Formally emphasizes the small degree of the action or requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the least" to express a minimum expectation or requirement. For example: "I hope to get a promotion, but "at the least", I expect a raise."

What's the difference between "at the least" and "at last"?

"At the least" indicates a minimum expectation or requirement, while "at last" signifies something happening after a long delay. They are not interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "at the least"?

You can use alternatives like "at a minimum", "at the very least", or "as a bare minimum" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "at the least" in formal writing?

Yes, "at the least" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider using alternatives like "at a minimum" for a more professional tone if the context requires it.