Have you ever wondered if it’s “at least” or “atleast”? These two phrases may seem similar, but there is a correct way to use them in English. In this article, we will explore the differences between “at least” and “atleast” to help you use the right expression in your writing.
“At Least”:
“At least” is a common English phrase used to indicate the minimum or a lower limit of something. It is employed when expressing the smallest amount, degree, or number that is acceptable or expected in a given situation.
Examples of Correct Usage:
- Correct: She needs at least five hours of sleep to function well.
- Correct: Please bring at least two forms of identification to the interview.
- Correct: The project will take at least a month to complete.
In both examples, “at least” is used to convey the idea of a minimum requirement or expectation. It’s crucial to keep the words separate and use them with a space in between.
Understanding “Atleast”:
The term “atleast” is not the correct way to write this expression. In English, “atleast” is considered incorrect because “at least” is a two-word phrase. The correct usage requires maintaining a space between the two words.
The Incorrect Usage of “Atleast”:
As mentioned earlier, “atleast” is not considered correct in standard English. It is a common error resulting from the incorrect fusion of “at” and “least.” Here are examples demonstrating the incorrect usage and how it can impact the clarity of your communication:
Incorrect: “I want atleast two slices of cake.”
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- Correct: “I want at least two slices of cake.”
Incorrect: “The meeting will last atleast an hour.”
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- Correct: “The meeting will last at least an hour.”
Incorrect: “He needs atleast three more points to win.”
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- Correct: “He needs at least three more points to win.”
In each case, replacing “atleast” with “at least” preserves the grammatical accuracy of the sentence.
Ways To Say “At Last”
- At the very least
- Minimum
- Bare minimum
- No less than
- In the least
- Regardless
- Leastwise
- Under any circumstances
- At a minimum
- Come what may
- At the very least
- If all else fails
- If nothing more
- Even if
- In any case
- In any case
- In any event
- Without fail
- At any rate
- If nothing else
Must Try:
Align To or Align With
As If or As Though
