Sometimes it’s hard to decide whether to write “atleast” or “at least” in a sentence. It’s not just you! A lot of people who use the English language get this confused. Let’s make it easier for you to find the right word.
The phrase “at least” is the correct term to use. It usually refers to the minimum amount or number, as in “you need at least five apples.”
“Atleast” is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided in any writing.
Make sure you use “at least” as two separate words as you keep learning and improving your English grammar. This will keep your writing clear so that other people can understand it easily.
Atleast or At Least: Which is correct?
The correct term is at least.
Atleast is not grammatically correct.
Now let’s discuss some details and grammatical logic behind the correct form.
‘At least‘ is a compound word consisting of two individual words: ‘at’ and ‘least’. It serves as an adverb and is used to show a minimum or the lowest possible value in various situations, such as quantity, degree, or extent.
For example:
“You must wait at least 15 minutes before opening the oven.”
In this sentence, ‘at least’ describes the minimum waiting time required before opening the oven.
Remember these key points:
- ‘At least’ is the correct form.
- It is made up of two individual words – ‘at’ and ‘least’.
- It is used as an adverb in a sentence.
The reason ‘at least’ is written as two words is that it comes from a combination of two distinct parts of speech – a preposition (‘at’) and an adjective (‘least’).
As both words carry different meanings individually, they need to work together to convey the intended meaning of “no less than” or “the minimum.”
Understanding ‘At Least’ as a Phrase
“At least” is a commonly used phrase in English. It means the bare minimum of a thing, amount, or level needed in a certain situation.
Typically, you would use this phrase to set a lower limit, usually to soften a statement or give some comfort in a certain situation.
‘At Least’ is an Adverb
The phrase at least has an adverbial role in sentences. It is used to modify adjectives or other adverbs, typically indicating a minimum or lower limit.
For example, at least can modify an adjective:
“She is at least the fastest runner on the team
Or, it can work as an adverb describing frequency:
“I visit my grandparents at least once a month”
Usage in Sentences
Here are some more examples of “at least ” in various sentences and situations:
- Conveying minimum requirement: “You must be at least 18 years old to vote.”
- Emphasizing lower limit: “I need to drink at least two liters of water per day.”
- Providing reassurance: “Even though I didn’t win the competition, at least I know I tried my best.”
Remember these rules and examples when you use the phrase “at least” in your writing and speaking to make sure it is clear and correct.
Examples of using “At Least” in a Sentence
“At least you tried, even if you didn’t succeed this time.“
“You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.“
“At least three people confirmed they will attend the meeting.“
“She wanted to leave by 9, but at least she stayed until the end of the speech.“
“The recipe calls for at least two cloves of garlic.“
“Make sure to charge your phone for at least an hour.“
“He’s not very friendly, but at least he’s honest.“
“At least the weather was good during our trip.“
“You’ll need at least a 70% to pass the exam.“
Atleast vs. at least in UK and US English
When it comes to the usage of “at least” in UK and US English, there’s no difference at all. “At least” is a phrase that means the smallest amount or number in both types of English.
On the other hand, “atleast” is a wrong spelling that doesn’t belong in either UK or US English. Do not use “atleast” in your writing, whether you are writing in UK or US English.
Other Correct Ways Of Saying: “At Least”
Synonymous Terms:
“At least” is a phrase we often use to mean the smallest amount or most basic level of something. But did you know there are many other ways to say the same thing?
Knowing these other words can help you communicate better, whether you want to add variety to your language or find the best word for the situation.
- Not less than: Used to indicate that the amount or number is equal to or greater than a certain threshold.
- No fewer than: Emphasizes that the amount or number is surprisingly large or significant.
- At the minimum: Refers to the lowest possible quantity or degree of something.
- If nothing else: is used to say that even if no other fact is true, this one is.
Example Sentences:
“You should spend not less than 30 minutes exercising each day.“
“The charity event saw no fewer than 500 people gather in support of the cause.“
“At the minimum, you should be drinking eight cups of water a day.“
“If nothing else, the trip gave us all a chance to relax.“
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use “at least” in both formal and informal writing?
Absolutely, “at least” is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase in English writing.
What is the common mistake people make with “at least”?
The most common mistake is writing “at least” as one word, “atleast,” which is incorrect. Always ensure you’re writing it as two separate words.
Can I use “at least” to soften a statement or provide reassurance?
Yes, “at least” is often used to set a lower limit, soften a statement, or give some level of comfort in a certain situation.
