1
Set an upper bound
Establish the greatest possible quantity.
Example
The journey takes at most two hours.
at most
/ət ˈməʊst/ · at MOHSTmaximum phrase
Not more than a stated maximum.
Use at most to signal this exact relationship between ideas: not more than a stated maximum.
What at most Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Limit an estimate
State a ceiling when the exact value is uncertain.
Example
At most, twenty manuscripts survive.
3
Downplay impact
Indicate that the strongest possible effect remains small.
Example
The change would save at most a few minutes.
Use at most Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The journey takes at most two hours.
At most, twenty manuscripts survive.
The change would save at most a few minutes.
Precision Matters
At most overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
at most
vs.Signals not more than a stated maximum.
at least
Means not less than a stated minimum; or in any case, used to identify a limited positive point.
at most
vs.Signals not more than a stated maximum.
approximately
Means close to but not exactly a value.
at most
vs.Signals not more than a stated maximum.
no more than
Means not exceeding a maximum.
at most
vs.Signals not more than a stated maximum.
myriad
Means countless or extremely numerous; a very large number.
Test at most in Context
Forty is presented as the greatest possible number.
1
Even under the most generous estimate, the chamber could hold ___ forty people.