at the very most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very most" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the maximum limit or extent of something. Example: "The project will take, at the very most, two weeks to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It seems like eight at the very most.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But she can't be married more than ten years, at the very most".

The New Yorker

Most of them set the limit at one, or at the very most two.

The Economist

We are a sentimental and tolerant people -- for five minutes, at the very most.

The New York Times - Sports

"At the very least it was ignorant, at the very most its insensitive.

The New York Times

At the very most, it can only exist in a half-munched form, surely?

The Guardian - Film

"At the very most it would move the school by one point," Mr. Morse said on Wednesday.

The New York Times

With Mr. Wagner's new position, their budget allowed for $2,800 a month — or $3,000 at the very most.

The New York Times

In this exacting medium, he turns out two -- or at the very most, three -- totally trend-free canvases a year.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

At the very most fishing can be "relaxing," like if you're out on a canoe with a six-pack hanging off the side.

Vice

Phys.org reports that the ratio is more like 1-to-4 at the very most 2 million rats compared with 8 million New Yorkers.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very most" to clearly indicate an upper limit or the greatest possible extent of something, especially when you want to emphasize that the actual amount is likely to be lower.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at the very most" can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using the simpler "at most" or "no more than" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very most" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement by specifying its upper limit or maximum extent. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the very most" serves to define the upper limit of something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse fields, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase is best suited for situations where clarity and emphasis on the maximum limit are desired. While versatile, consider using simpler alternatives like "at most" in informal settings. With a broad acceptability and a neutral tone, "at the very most" stands as a reliable choice for specifying maximum boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at most

A shorter, more direct way to express the upper limit.

no more than

Indicates that the actual amount will not exceed the stated limit.

at the highest

Emphasizes the upper end of a possible range.

at best

Suggests that the stated value is the most optimistic possibility.

maximum

A single word to express the greatest possible amount.

up to

Specifies an inclusive upper limit.

not exceeding

A more formal way to state an upper limit.

in the extreme

Highlights that the amount is a rare possibility.

if that

Suggests a possible value and casts doubt that it will be reached.

absolute maximum

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of exceeding the limit.

FAQs

What does "at the very most" mean?

The phrase "at the very most" means not more than a specified amount or degree; it indicates the upper limit of something.

How can I use "at the very most" in a sentence?

You can use "at the very most" to specify a maximum quantity, duration, or degree. For example, "The project will take two weeks, "at the very most"."

What can I say instead of "at the very most"?

You can use alternatives like "at most", "no more than", or "maximum" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at most" and "at the very most"?

While both phrases indicate an upper limit, "at the very most" emphasizes the limit more strongly. "At most" is a more neutral expression.