the very bottom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very bottom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the lowest point or level of something, either literally or figuratively. Example: "After searching through all the files, I finally found the document at the very bottom of the stack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Actually, they were near the very bottom.

The New York Times

Unfortunately we were at the very bottom.

The Guardian

"It's aristocracy at the very bottom".

The Guardian - Music

"Now I'm at the very bottom.

The New York Times

He came out at the very bottom.

Harvard Business Review

That information is at the very bottom of the iceberg.

The New Yorker

Most of them cluster at the very bottom.

The Economist

At the very bottom he found his sneakers.

The New Yorker

These once proud marks score near the very bottom.

The Economist

(For answers, scroll to the very bottom of this lesson).

The New York Times

"We are starting from the very bottom again," Oertel said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very bottom" to emphasize the absolute lowest position, whether physical or metaphorical. It adds a stronger sense of finality than simply saying "the bottom".

Common error

Avoid using "the very bottom" when a relative comparison is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "This is at the very bottom of my list", consider "This is at the end of my list" if the list isn't necessarily ranked from best to worst.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very bottom" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial to specify location or state. Ludwig provides examples showing its use to denote both physical locations and metaphorical positions, reinforcing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very bottom" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies the absolute lowest point or position, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register. While semantically related to alternatives like "rock bottom" and "the lowest echelon", it offers a specific emphasis on the extremity of the low position. When writing, it’s best to use "the very bottom" to emphasize an absolute lowest position and avoid it in relative contexts where a simpler "bottom" or alternative is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the absolute lowest point

Emphasizes the extremity of the low position.

the bottommost part

Describes the lowest physical part of something.

rock bottom

Implies the lowest possible state or condition, often in a negative context.

the depths

Suggests being in a deep or extreme low point.

the lowest echelon

Refers specifically to the lowest rank or level in a hierarchy.

the lowest rung

Indicates the lowest level in a system.

the nadir

Uses a more technical or literary term for the lowest point.

the base level

Focuses on the fundamental or starting point.

the foot

Analogous with the bottom of an object.

the zero mark

Indicates the starting point or lowest level on a scale.

FAQs

How can I use "the very bottom" in a sentence?

You can use "the very bottom" to indicate the lowest physical point, like "The treasure was hidden at the very bottom of the chest". It can also refer to the lowest ranking or status, as in "He started his career at the very bottom and worked his way up".

What's the difference between "the very bottom" and "the bottom"?

"The very bottom" emphasizes the absolute lowest point, whereas "the bottom" simply indicates the lower part. The addition of "very" intensifies the position, indicating there is nothing lower. It is a matter of stress.

Which is correct, "at the very bottom" or "on the very bottom"?

"At the very bottom" is more commonly used and generally preferred when referring to a location or position, such as "at the very bottom of the page". "On the very bottom" might be appropriate in specific contexts, such as describing something resting directly on the lowest surface.

What can I say instead of "the very bottom"?

You can use alternatives like "the absolute lowest point", "rock bottom", or "the lowest echelon" depending on the context.