Go to the park at least there you’ll get some fresh air.The second way “at least” can be useful is when you use it to refer to a minimum guarantee: However, using “at least” and stating it was just a feeling implies that the speaker may not have broken their leg but instead refers to hyperbolic pain. This sentence starts with a definitive statement indicating that the speaker broke their leg. First, you can use “at least” mid-sentence to correct a previous error in the sentence or written text: Bear in mind, you can also use it to refer to multiple meanings at once. If you want a more in-depth understanding of “at least,” think of it this way: you will use “at least” to indicate the least thing that is correct, guaranteed, tolerable, factual, or beneficial ( source). Image by David Iskande r via Unsplash How Do You Use “At Least” in a Sentence? Maybe I was never popular, but at least my friends were one in a million. At least I’ve watched the proposal scene that frequently. I mean, I didn’t get many gifts, but at least I had a lot of messages. That may sound confusing, but it essentially means that you can use it to point out a silver lining or dampen the effect of something. The phrase “at least” can also change the trajectory of a sentence. I have to research for at least a year before I can even begin to write my novel.
On days I feel lazy, I at least wash my face and brush my teeth. You don’t need to clean the house, but at least clean your room. The second purpose is to refer to a small action, essentially requesting someone do a minimal amount of work or put in a minimal amount of effort. She swore he was at least six feet tall. I would have to wait at least two weeks for my new ID. It would cost her at least $25 to get her oil changed. The first purpose is the easiest to understand because it has a set formula with a value or measurement before or after the idiom. In a nutshell, it either refers to a value amount, a small action, or changes the trajectory of a sentence. Instead, it’s better to understand the interpretation of the idiom on its own. When it comes to idioms, knowing the meanings of the words that make up the idiom isn’t of much help. Break a leg = wishing someone good luck (usually used in the theater). So, we need to be able to comprehend idioms to conclude their actual meaning. If we took the sentences above literally, they would be pretty offensive. We need to finish this tomorrow, come rain or shine. The drama teacher told us to break a leg before we stepped on the stage. Idioms are common words or phrases that you can use, but they also have meanings that differ from the terms that make them up ( source). This means that it is so much more than the sum of its parts. (the smallest amount in comparison to others) IdiomsĪdditionally, the phrase “at least” is an idiom ( source). She received the least pizza because she was the youngest. This word is the superlative form of “little” and refers to the value/quantity of something, either stating the amount is minor or lesser than another amount. The second word, “least,” can function as a noun, adverb, adjective, determiner, or pronoun. “At least” is a combination of the preposition “at” and the word “least.” The preposition “at” usually shows the relationship between two things, such as the subject and time, location, measurement, or state of being. Take a look at “ Highschool or High School: Which Is Correct” to learn more. You can see a similar situation occur with some compound words. “At least” is a common phrase both in speaking and writing, which means errors in writing, such as the lack of space, spread and are relatively common. My day was getting better.Ĭorrect: At least my day was getting better. “At least” cannot stand alone as a single sentence: Instead, it is a two-word phrase, and a phrase is a combination of words that make up a part of a complete sentence ( source). Writing “at least” can raise some questions why is it “at least” with a space? What does the phrase mean? Does the phrase have any simpler synonyms? You’ll have answers to these questions, and more - just keep reading. The only proper use is the two-word phrase, “at least,” which is a phrase that combines the preposition “at” and the noun or adverb “least” to mean “at minimum.” Writing “atleast,” is a common error that depicts the correct phrase “at least” as a single term. You may have encountered both “at least” and “atleast” at various points in your reading and writing, but one is incorrect. But when those moments inevitably come, remembering the phrase “at least” helps us to see the bright side of things. Sometimes, the world can be disappointing.