still at least

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still at least" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a positive outcome from a negative situation. For example, "We were only able to make half our expected profit, but still at least we managed to stay in the black."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, at least we're growing.

The New York Times

Still, at least it is thinking ahead.

The Economist

Still, at least he's trying.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, at least it wasn't another repeat.

Independent

Still, at least one question remains.

The Washington Post

Still, at least someone is cheerful.

The Guardian - Business

Still, at least John O'Shea's fit.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, at least the new music's good.

The Guardian - Music

Still, at least his piles have disappeared.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That's still at least several weeks away".

The New York Times

Still, at least it wasn't rats.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still at least" to transition from acknowledging a negative situation to highlighting a positive aspect or a silver lining. This helps to maintain a balanced perspective and can soften the impact of bad news.

Common error

While "still at least" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound repetitive. Consider using more sophisticated transitions like "nonetheless", "nevertheless", or "even so" for variety and a more polished impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still at least" functions as a discourse marker or conjunction phrase. It is used to introduce a contrasting positive element following the acknowledgment of a negative situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes a positive outcome despite an adverse circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still at least" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce a positive aspect after acknowledging a negative one. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and effective in softening the impact of adverse circumstances. While it enjoys very common usage, particularly in News & Media, writers should be mindful of its relatively informal tone, opting for more sophisticated alternatives like "nevertheless, at least" in formal writing. The high source quality and expert rating underscore its reliability and appropriateness in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even so, at least

Emphasizes the contrast more strongly than "still at least".

nonetheless, at least

Similar to "still at least" but carries a slightly more formal tone.

nevertheless, at least

Like "nonetheless, at least", it offers a more formal alternative.

at any rate, at least

Indicates a shift in focus, introducing a positive point.

however, at least

A more direct way to present a contrasting positive.

yet, at least

Simple and direct, highlighting the contrast.

but, at least

An even more straightforward way to introduce the positive aspect.

in spite of that, at least

Emphasizes the contrasting element by explicitly pointing out the negative.

despite that, at least

Similar to "in spite of that, at least", reinforcing the contrast.

on the bright side, at least

Specifically directs the focus to the positive aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "still at least" in a sentence?

You can use "still at least" to introduce a positive point after acknowledging something negative. For example, "The project was delayed, but "still at least" we managed to stay within budget".

What are some alternatives to "still at least"?

Alternatives include "even so, at least", "nonetheless, at least", or "however, at least". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "still at least" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "still at least" can sound somewhat informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "nevertheless, at least" or "despite that, at least" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "still at least" and "at least"?

"At least" simply emphasizes a positive aspect. "Still at least" implies a contrast, suggesting that despite something negative, there's a positive element to consider. For example, "The weather was terrible, but "still at least" the company was good".