not less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an alternative way of saying "at least". For example, "You will need not less than two weeks to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not less than thirteen.

The New Yorker

Actually, not less than three eggs.

The New York Times

It is not less than 17%.

The Guardian - Business

He is not less than a prophet".

The New Yorker

We are not less than South Africa.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, it says I have it's not less than two.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Separation constants are found with not less than 8 s.d.

Annals of Physics

Tell the Americans we are not less than South Africa.

The Guardian - Opinion

His herd of springtails is not less than 15 million.

The New Yorker

"Not less than eight billion dollars," he said proudly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

People with mental illnesses are not less-than.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not less than", ensure clarity in the units being measured. For example, specify "not less than 10 kilograms" instead of just "not less than 10".

Common error

Avoid using "not less than" when you actually mean "approximately". "Not less than" indicates a firm minimum, not an estimate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not less than" functions as a quantifier or qualifier, establishing a minimum threshold or boundary. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating that the actual value or amount is at least equal to the specified quantity. Ludwig AI confirms the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33.33%

Science

33.33%

News & Media

16.66%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8.33%

Wiki

4.17%

Encyclopedias

4.17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not less than" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a minimum quantity or condition. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions as a quantifier, setting a lower limit that must be met. While often interchangeable with "at least", "not less than" tends to have a slightly more formal tone, especially in legal and scientific contexts. It's widely used across academia, science, and news media, ensuring clarity in requirements. When using the phrase, ensure you are clearly stating the minimum and are not approximating a value. Ensure you specify the units being measured to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at least

This is the most direct and common synonym, indicating a minimum requirement or quantity.

no less than

This phrase emphasizes the significance of the quantity or value being mentioned.

a minimum of

This phrase clearly specifies that the stated amount is the lowest acceptable value.

not under

This is a less formal alternative, often used in contexts where precision is not critical.

equal to or more than

This option provides a more explicit definition of the minimum requirement.

not below

This is similar to "not under", but may be used more in contexts involving levels or positions.

at the minimum

This phrase highlights that the stated value is the absolute lowest acceptable value.

at the very least

This phrase underscores the idea that even in the worst case, the stated amount is assured.

minimally

Single word indicating that something is considered to be the smallest or least possible amount.

of at least

This option can be used to emphasize a range or series that includes a lower boundary.

FAQs

How do I use "not less than" in a sentence?

Use "not less than" to indicate a minimum quantity or value. For example, "The fine shall be not less than $1000."

What's a good alternative to "not less than"?

A direct alternative is "at least". Depending on the context, you could also use "a minimum of" or "no less than".

Is it better to use "at least" or "not less than"?

Both "at least" and "not less than" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "At least" is generally more common and informal, while "not less than" can sound more formal or legalistic. Choose based on the context and desired tone.

Can "not less than" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "not less than" can be used for abstract concepts as well as concrete quantities. For example, "The effort required will be not less than significant".