upward of

USAGE SUMMARY

"upward of" is an expression used in written English.
It can be used to indicate a higher number or amount than what is being stated. For example, "There were upward of 200 people in attendance at the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That often costs upward of $400,000.

The New York Times

Upward of 600, Wilberforce answers.

The New York Times

Entrees are upward of $30.

The New York Times

Dinner parties drew upward of 80 guests.

The New York Times

"Sauerkraut takes upward of a month".

The New York Times

Suites will be upward of $800".

The New York Times

We have upward of 500 volunteers".

The New York Times

(Either costs upward of $2,000, depending on options).

The New York Times

The defense sometimes played upward of 90 snaps a game.

The New York Times

Resort condominiums are listed upward of $450,000.

The New York Times - Travel

The tuna sell for upward of $100,000 apiece.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upward of" when you want to suggest a minimum quantity or amount that may be higher than the stated figure. It's useful when providing estimates or approximations.

Common error

Avoid using "upward of" when you have precise data. This phrase is best suited for estimations rather than exact values. Using it with a precise number can create a sense of uncertainty where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "upward of" is to act as a prepositional modifier, typically quantifying nouns. It introduces a sense of approximation, indicating a value is at least a certain amount and potentially higher. This aligns with Ludwig AI’s assessment of correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upward of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a quantity that is at least a certain amount, possibly more. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status, and its frequent usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media, makes it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary. When writing, remember to use "upward of" for estimations and approximations rather than exact values. For similar meanings you can also use alternatives phrases like "at least" or "more than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at least

Focuses on the minimum quantity, slightly less emphasis on approximation.

or more

Clearly states the possibility of a higher quantity.

more than

Directly indicates a quantity exceeding a specific value.

over

Simple and direct way to indicate a quantity greater than a specific value.

in excess of

More formal way to express a quantity greater than a specific value.

beyond

Suggests a value exceeding a specific point or limit.

approximately

Indicates an estimation, without necessarily implying a minimum value.

as much as

Implies a quantity reaching a certain high level.

around

Similar to "approximately", suggesting an estimated value.

north of

Informal way to indicate a value higher than a certain amount, mostly used with prices.

FAQs

How can I use "upward of" in a sentence?

Use "upward of" to indicate that a quantity is at least a certain amount, possibly more. For example, "The project will cost upward of $1 million" suggests the cost is expected to be $1 million or more.

What alternatives can I use instead of "upward of"?

You can use alternatives like "at least", "more than", or "approximately" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "over" instead of "upward of"?

While "over" can sometimes be used similarly to "upward of", it doesn't always convey the same nuance of approximation or minimum value. "Upward of" is often used when the exact number is unknown but expected to be at least a certain amount.

What's the difference between "upward of" and "at most"?

"Upward of" indicates a minimum quantity that might be higher, while "at most" specifies a maximum quantity that cannot be exceeded. They are opposite in meaning.