no less than one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no less than one" is correct and can be used in written English.
It implies that the minimum amount or number is at least one, and it can be used to add emphasis to a point. Example: The CEO of the company has no less than one million dollars in their personal bank account.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

No less than one thousand performers were engaged at the Munich performance.

The Guardian - Music

For example, a notice no less than one year prior to the effective date of such change would be reasonable.

Cornell University

FROM TONKIN TO INDIA also there were with like loads; I counted no less than one hundred and thirty animals in one morning.

Cornell University

No less than one month before students plan to submit their dissertations, a relatively polished full draft of the dissertation should be discussed with the student by the dissertation committee, in a dissertation defense of 1-2 hours, to give the students additional advice and counsel on completing the dissertation or on turning it into a book, as appropriate.

Yale University

To receive a review within the SC you think your research falls, proposals must be given to the SC Director no less than one month before the deadline (ex. SC review by 9/1/16 for the 10/12/16 deadline).

Stanford University

In 2009, no less than one hundred parties participated to the local election.

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This year no less than one-third were phone-based or online scams.

Forbes

For example, the Obamacare statute requires health insurers in the individual market to charge young people no less than one-third what they charge old people, even though old people cost six times as much to cover.

Forbes

In a videotape aired on Al Jazeera late in 2001, he gloated that the combined effect of the drop in the value of the stock market, physical damage to New York and the loss of jobs in a variety of industries cost the American economy "no less than one trillion dollars".

The New York Times

Last year, China accounted for no less than one-third of the increase in world oil consumption.

The Economist

The Netherlands has attracted no less than one-fifth of all U.S. and Japanese investment in Europe, and much of this is focused on Amsterdam.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no less than one" to emphasize that a particular minimum number or amount is important or noteworthy. It subtly conveys that the quantity is not negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "no less than one" when "at least one" or "one or more" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no less than one" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a minimum quantity or degree. As Ludwig suggests, it emphasizes that the quantity or amount is significant and not negligible, setting a lower bound for consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no less than one" is a phrase used to emphasize a minimum requirement or amount. It is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for various writing styles, though it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its presence in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While interchangeable with "at least one", "no less than one" adds a subtle emphasis, suggesting significance to the specified minimum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At least one

This is the most direct and common synonym, focusing on the minimum requirement.

One or more

Emphasizes the possibility of exceeding the minimum quantity.

Not fewer than one

A more formal and somewhat redundant alternative.

A minimum of one

Highlights the fact that one is the lowest acceptable amount.

At the very least, one

Adds emphasis, suggesting a bare minimum.

Certainly one

Indicates assurance that one will be present.

Assuredly one

Similar to "certainly one" but more formal and less common.

Positively one

Strongly asserts that there is at least one.

Definitely one

Conveys a sense of certainty regarding the presence of at least one.

Without exception, one

Underscores the requirement for one with no allowance for zero.

FAQs

How can I use "no less than one" in a sentence?

Use "no less than one" to emphasize a minimum quantity or requirement, suggesting that the amount is significant. For example, "Each participant must submit "at least one" entry."

What phrases are similar to "no less than one"?

Similar phrases include "at least one", "one or more", or "a minimum of one". The best alternative depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "no less than one" instead of "at least one"?

"No less than one" can be used when you want to add a subtle emphasis or highlight the significance of the minimum quantity. "At least one" is more neutral and generally applicable.

Is there a difference between "no less than one" and "not less than one"?

The phrases "no less than one" and "not less than one" are largely interchangeable, but "no less than one" is slightly more common and often carries a stronger sense of emphasis. The choice depends on the desired tone and flow of the sentence.