Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
least is an example
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "least is an example" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It may be intended to introduce an example, but it lacks proper structure and context to be usable. Example: "The least is an example of how we can approach this problem."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Naturally, more playing time in the second half of the season will be key to his development but here at least is an example of a promising young English footballer with a positive, open mind who sees European football as an opportunity to grow, rather than as a way to keep the salary high or escape troubles back home.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The blog post, and the reaction, to the say the least, is a sure example of the delicate nature of developer relations.
News & Media
That would be worth a really long and considered post, not least because it is an example of thinking about evolution done right.
News & Media
(Here, at least, was a clear example of the fair's raison d'etre).Elsewhere dealers seemed to be awkwardly straining to lure the elusive cross-over buyer.
News & Media
It could also be reasoned that the final vignette does not need to represent the majority of women in the community, but should at least be a realistic example of some women, so that it can successfully be used to build discussion in the interviews and encourage women to admit to their own experiences.
The "weighted non-linear least-squares -method is an exampleast-squares -method
Science
And when you learn by reading the Washington Post that the terrorist attack in Sharm el-Sheikh of July 22, 2005 killed at least 88 people, that, too, is an example of acquiring knowledge on the basis of testimony.
Science
The Mersenne Twister (Matsumoto and Nishimura 1998) is an example, at least until the number of random draws approaches the algorithm's period of 219937-1.
In a sense, compared with non-linear least squares methods, the proposed algorithm is an example of "let the data decide".
The degree of intrusiveness is an example of least infringement, identified by Childress and colleagues (2002) as requiring justification.
The rest is much harder, but at least there's an example that offers room for optimism.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When intending to provide an example, ensure your sentence is grammatically complete. Instead of "least is an example", use "at the very least, it is an example" or "to say the least, it is an example".
Common error
Avoid using fragments like "least is an example" as standalone sentences. Always integrate your example into a complete grammatical structure to ensure clarity and correctness.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "least is an example" functions as an incomplete attempt to introduce an illustration. As noted by Ludwig AI, it requires grammatical correction to form a coherent statement. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate improved sentence constructions.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
10%
Reference
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "least is an example" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used. As Ludwig AI points out, it does not form a complete sentence and requires restructuring to effectively convey its intended meaning. While authoritative sources such as The Guardian and TechCrunch provide context, alternative phrases like "at the very least, it exemplifies" or "if nothing else, it provides an example" offer clearer and grammatically sound alternatives. This analysis underscores the importance of complete sentence structure in ensuring clear and effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
at the very least, it exemplifies
Adds clarity and proper grammar to the original phrase, making it a complete clause.
at a minimum, it's an illustration
Changes the wording to focus on "illustration" rather than a direct "example", modifying the emphasis slightly.
to say the least, it's illustrative of
Emphasizes understatement while still providing an example, modifying the tone and focus.
at the bare minimum, it demonstrates
Replaces 'example' with 'demonstrates' and adjusts the opening for a nuanced shift in meaning.
if nothing else, it provides an example
Introduces a conditional aspect, highlighting the exemplification as a minimum positive outcome.
it serves as a basic illustration
This is different in that it suggests something is only a basic example.
it's a fundamental example, to say the least
Adding "fundamental" changes the nature of the example.
in the slightest, it is an example
The phrase is changed to show that there are little amount of examples
it is scarcely an example
It's altered to suggest something is questionably an example.
at the drop of a hat, it exemplifies
It implies immediacy or ease in giving an example.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "least is an example" in a sentence?
The phrase "least is an example" is grammatically incorrect. A corrected version could be "At the very least, it is an example" or "To say the least, it exemplifies..."
What can I say instead of "least is an example"?
Consider using phrases like "at the very least, it exemplifies", "at a minimum, it's an illustration", or "if nothing else, it provides an example" for better clarity.
Is "least is an example" grammatically correct?
No, "least is an example" is not grammatically correct. It's an incomplete sentence and requires restructuring to convey a clear meaning. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment.
How does the context affect the choice of alternative phrases for "least is an example"?
The context determines the most suitable alternative. For understatement, use "to say the least, it's illustrative of". For a minimal condition, use "at the bare minimum, it demonstrates". Adjust based on the specific nuance you intend to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested