be at the bottom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be at the bottom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a position or status that is the lowest in a hierarchy or physical location. Example: "In the ranking of the teams, we unfortunately have to be at the bottom this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You'll be at the bottom of Monday's Inbox.

Yale University

Which I will be at the bottom of.

The Guardian - Tech

I thought they might be at the bottom of this.

The Guardian - Tech

It should be at the bottom of the index.M.N.

The Economist

If she observes she has two choices she must be at the bottom node.

Yale University

If you don't stir the soup, all the salt could be at the bottom.

University of California, Berkeley

"Nobody wants to be at the bottom of the barrel," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll be at the bottom of the table playing like that," Bruce warned.

The Guardian - Sport

The thing that you know the least will be at the bottom.

The Guardian - Film

Horse welfare seems to always be at the bottom of their priority list.

The New York Times

The black box will be at the bottom of the sea".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be at the bottom" to describe rankings or lists, consider adding context about what factors contribute to that position to provide a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "be at the bottom" always carries a negative connotation. It can sometimes simply indicate a physical location, a starting point, or a foundation. Ensure your interpretation fits the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at the bottom" functions as a predicative complement, describing the state or position of a subject. Ludwig AI examples show it often specifies a ranking, location, or hierarchy. The phrase typically requires a verb of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be at the bottom" is a versatile expression used to denote the lowest position in various contexts, whether physical, hierarchical, or abstract. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed. While often associated with negative connotations, it can also be used neutrally. Its high frequency across diverse sources, including news media and academic publications, indicates broad applicability. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure accurate interpretation and avoid potential misinterpretations. Alternatives like "be in last place" or "be at rock bottom" may provide more specific meanings depending on your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in last place

Focuses specifically on ranking or competition.

be at the lowest rank

Emphasizes hierarchical structure and position.

be at rock bottom

Indicates reaching the lowest possible state or condition.

be at the foot of

Describes a physical position at the base of something.

be at the lowest level

Highlights a position in a multi-tiered system.

be in the cellar

Informal way of saying being at the bottom, particularly in sports.

be at a low ebb

Focuses on a period of decline or weakness.

be the least of

Indicates having the lowest priority or significance.

be the underdog

Describes a situation where someone is expected to lose or fail.

be the worst

Emphasizes the negative quality of being in the lowest position.

FAQs

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

You can use "be at the bottom" to describe a position, rank, or level. For example: "Our team will not "be at the bottom" of the leaderboard this season."

What does it mean to "be at the bottom"?

To "be at the bottom" generally means to occupy the lowest position in a hierarchy, list, or physical space. It often carries a negative connotation but can also be neutral depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "be at the bottom"?

You can use alternatives like "be in last place", "be at the lowest rank", or "be at rock bottom" depending on the context.

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

Not necessarily. While "be at the bottom" often implies a negative situation, it can also simply describe a physical location or starting point. The context is crucial in determining its connotation.