at the lower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the lower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a position or level that is lower in a hierarchy, scale, or physical space. Example: "The temperature is expected to drop at the lower end of the scale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even at the lower end of the market, damage appears to be more theoretical than actual.

Huffington Post

That's at the lower.

The New Yorker

One is at the lower end.

The Economist

headquarters at the lower tip of Manhattan.

The New York Times

At the lower end, you think of Starbucks.

The Guardian

At the lower end, there are even more substitutes.

The New York Times

These are not things approved at the lower levels.

The New York Times

"We couldn't do it at the lower level".

The New York Times

Many of them compete for jobs at the lower rungs.

The New York Times

"This was at the lower end of offending," said Blackett.

The Guardian - Sport

At the lower level, the game is still on".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the lower", ensure the context clearly defines what the phrase is referring to, such as "at the lower end of the scale" or "at the lower level of management", for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the lower" without a clear reference point. For example, stating "performance is at the lower" is vague. Instead, specify what is being compared, such as "performance is at the lower end of expectations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the lower" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, often indicating a relative position on a scale, range, or hierarchy. It modifies nouns by specifying a location or degree that is less than another. Ludwig contains many examples that show this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the lower" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to indicate a position, level, or degree that is less than something else. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific publications. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, especially in avoiding vagueness, can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, allowing writers to tailor their language to specific contexts. Ludwig's examples can help refine understanding of this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a lower

Slightly more concise, omitting "the" for a less definite article usage.

on the lower

Replaces the preposition "at" with "on", indicating a position on a lower surface or level.

in the lower

Uses "in" instead of "at", suggesting containment within a lower area or range.

at the bottom

Emphasizes the lowest point, suitable for contexts where the absolute lowest position is relevant.

at the underside

Focuses on the lower surface or part of something.

toward the bottom

Indicates movement or direction towards the lower part.

at the base

Highlights the foundational or supporting part, which is often at the lower end.

at the minimum

Shifts focus to the lowest quantity or degree, applicable in numerical or comparative contexts.

in the depths

Implies a deep or profound lower position, often used metaphorically.

at rock bottom

Highlights the lowest possible point, suggesting a dire or critical situation.

FAQs

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

Use "at the lower" to indicate a position, level, or degree that is less than something else, for example, "Prices are "at the lower end" of the spectrum" or "The talent is "at the lower levels"".

What phrases are similar to "at the lower"?

Similar phrases include "at a lower", "on the lower", or "in the lower", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is "at the lower" formal or informal?

"At the lower" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but the surrounding language should match the intended tone. More formal alternatives might include phrases like "at the minimum" in some contexts.

What's the difference between "at the lower" and "at the bottom"?

"At the lower" implies a relative position on a scale or hierarchy, while "at the bottom" suggests the absolute lowest point. Use "at the lower" when comparing or contrasting with something higher.