At least vs or at least

Both 'at least' and 'or at least' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At least' is used to indicate a minimum amount or degree, while 'or at least' is used to suggest a possible alternative or to soften a statement.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 788 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a minimum amount or degree.

"At least"

Use 'at least' when you want to express the idea of a minimum requirement or quantity. It is often used to emphasize that a particular amount is the minimum expected.

Examples:

You should have at least $100 in your emergency fund.
She needs to study for at least two hours every day.
I need at least five people to help with the project.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the meeting starts.
The job requires at least three years of experience.

Show examples from the web [+]

At least let them question him.
At least we found Big Bertha before something terrible happened.
At least the metal parts are goldplated.
At least the suffering is almost over...
At least these trains have modern plumbing.
At least not with this administration.
At least until the divorce is finalized.
At least yourfingers should be able to remember.
At least something went right today.
At least until Calder trusts us.
At least I could've claimed self-defense.
At least until the next something happens.
At least nobody had a knife.
At least my leaving clarified things.
At least until Mom lets me wear lipstick.
At least we still have that.
At least I was properly primed.
At least 600 people were under mandatory evacuation orders.
At least that was based on something honest.
At least that was my impression.

Alternatives:

minimum of
no less than
at the very least
at a minimum
at the minimum

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to suggest a possible alternative or to soften a statement.

"or at least"

Use 'or at least' when you want to present an alternative possibility or to indicate that a statement is a minimum expectation but could be more. It is often used to introduce a less specific or more flexible option.

Examples:

You can have cake or at least some fruit for dessert.
I need to finish this by tomorrow, or at least by the end of the week.
She should call me back, or at least send a text.
You need to be there at 9 a.m., or at least by 9:30 a.m.
I hope to get a promotion this year, or at least a raise.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nice to see that you can do some work, or at least others can do it on your behalf. Me alegro de que su Señoría haga algún trabajo o al menos otros lo hagan en ...
at the least or or at least. Definitions. at the minimum ⇒ □ at the least you should earn a hundred pounds. See least (sense 3). Translations for 'at least'.
1 day ago ... Netflix is Making A Murderer (or at least a series called that). Most Read ... Netflix is Making A Murderer (or at least a series called that). By Alex ...
How to save the world (or at least yourself) from bad meetings. TED@State Street Boston · 06:34 · Filmed Oct 2013. 35 subtitle languages Help with subtitles.

Alternatives:

or maybe
or possibly
or alternatively
or else
or instead

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At least vs or at least

"At least"

"or at least"

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