fbpx Skip to Content

“Atleast” vs. “At Least”

“Atleast” vs. “At Least”

Sharing is caring!

Here is a nugget of valuable, albeit blunt, advice: don”t believe people who claim grammar isn’t important — because the opposite is true.

Poor diction and writing mechanics can rob you of job opportunities and even limit your social circles.

Because despite the best of intentions, we humans harbor heaps of unconscious judgment about how other people speak and write.

We may snicker with smug superiority when someone says “I am doing good” instead of “I am doing well.”

We may chortle and roll our eyes when “irregardless” flies from the mouths of people who think they”re much smarter than they are.

And yes, most educated individuals will disapprovingly crinkle their nose when confronted with “atleast” in a letter, text, resume, essay, or article.

 

Atleast

“Atleast” is not a word. The correct spelling is “at least.” Therefore, “atleast” is grammatically incorrect and should not be used under any circumstance.

 

At least

“At least” is a phrase used to indicate the minimum amount or number, as in “I need at least 5 apples.” It can also express relief that a situation is not worse than it is, as in “He was late, but at least he arrived.” This phrase establishes a baseline or offers consolation in different contexts.

 

“Atleast” vs. “At Least”: Which One Is Correct?

The bottom line is that “atleast” is not a word. The correct version is “at least.”

“At” is a preposition denoting a particular time, place, date, state of being, or condition. The word “least” is an adjective that comes from the Old English word “læsest,” which means “lowest or smallest in power or position.

“People may also say “at the very least,” which means the same as “at least” with a tad more emphasis.

 

How to Use “At Least” in a Sentence

“At least” is one of those phrases commonly mistaken for one word.

Other common terms in this category include “a lot,” “a bit,” and “a little.”

“At least” is one of those phrases that can be used in a variety of circumstances. Let”s review a few.

 

“At Least” Example #1

At least we didn”t have to go to the hospital.

 
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing relief about avoiding a hospital visit. In this instance, “at least” serves as an expression of thankfulness.

 
“At Least” Example #2

We need at least 20 volunteers to make the event work.

 
In this statement, “at least” acts as a numerical qualifier. The speaker is saying that a certain amount of volunteers is needed to pull off an event. Synonyms for “at least” in this sentence could include “a minimum of” and “no less than.”

 

“At Least” Example #3

He wasn’t very smart, but at least he was kind.

 
“At least” in this sentence refers to an unquantifiable sentiment. The speaker is arguing that although a man is lacking in one way, he makes up for it in another way.