bottom of the scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bottom of the scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the lowest point or level in a range, often in contexts like assessments, evaluations, or measurements. Example: "In terms of performance, she ranked at the bottom of the scale compared to her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the bottom of the scale, Burundi's average was 2.905.

The New York Times

At the bottom of the scale are kiosk rentals.

The Economist

At the bottom of the scale is '0' – this means urgent improvement is required.

The Guardian

NIESR, a think-tank, is towards the bottom of the scale, betting on 2% growth.

The Economist

The big fear is that some people just drop off the bottom of the scale – because confidence goes very rapidly".

The Guardian

Beef is classified by the federal government, with "utility" at the bottom of the scale, "prime" at the top.

The New York Times - Food

"Yes, I am poor, I am vermin, a bug, I am at the bottom of the scale.

The Guardian - Books

At the bottom of the scale were Argentina (23.6), Ghana (18.9), Italy (13.6), Israel (6.6) and Brazil (1).

The Washington Post

In the Hindu caste system, sweepers are at the bottom of the scale because they handle excrement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now it returns to more notes at the bottom of the scale: a second son seriously ill, again; rent in serious arrears, again.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most interesting numbers are at the bottom of the scale - with boots on the ground from Ireland, Luxembourg, Singapore and the Ukraine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bottom of the scale", ensure the context clearly defines the scale being referenced. For example, "At the bottom of the scale for customer satisfaction is response time."

Common error

Avoid using "bottom of the scale" without a clear reference point. Ensure your audience understands what metric or range you are referring to when you use the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottom of the scale" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier or a subject complement. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a position at the lowest end of a spectrum or ranking. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as describing hygiene standards, economic growth, and teacher salaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bottom of the scale" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote the lowest rank or level in a given range or spectrum. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad applicability across various contexts. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While various alternatives exist, such as "lowest point on the spectrum" or "rock bottom", each carries slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the scale is clearly defined for the audience to avoid ambiguity. Common errors involve omitting the definite article "the" or failing to provide sufficient context for the scale being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in last place

Directly indicates the lowest position in a competition or ranking.

lowest point on the spectrum

Replaces "scale" with "spectrum", emphasizing a range of possibilities.

at the very lowest level

Replaces "bottom of the scale" with a more descriptive and literal phrase.

rock bottom

Uses a more colloquial term indicating the absolute lowest or worst condition.

the lowest rung of the ladder

Employs a metaphor related to social or hierarchical standing.

at the tail end

Focuses on position in a sequence or ranking.

in the cellar

More idiomatic expression, usually implies being in the very last position.

the nadir

A more formal and technical term for the lowest point.

the pits

Informal term for the worst possible situation or place.

the weakest link

Highlights lack of quality within a specific group or chain.

FAQs

How can I use "bottom of the scale" in a sentence?

You can use "bottom of the scale" to describe the lowest rank or level in a particular context. For example, "The country ranked at the "bottom of the scale" for healthcare access."

What is an alternative to saying "bottom of the scale"?

Alternatives include "lowest point on the spectrum", "rock bottom", or "at the very lowest level" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at the bottom of scale" or "at the bottom of the scale"?

The correct phrase is "at the "bottom of the scale"". The definite article "the" is needed to specify a particular scale.

What does "bottom of the scale" imply?

"Bottom of the scale" implies the lowest or least desirable position in a range or ranking. It indicates something is deficient or underperforming compared to others on the same scale. It is very similar to saying that something is at "the nadir".