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Nsfs2 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

At all in positive sentences

Hi,

I am familiar with the use of 'at all' in negative contexts, but this is the first time I come across 'at all' in a positve sentence.
#1 '... It is the anaesthetist's job to administer the drugs that allow the patient to undergo surgery at all.'

What is the exact meaning of 'at all' in this sentence?

Lots of thanks.
  

Top answer

nsfs2 What is the exact meaning of 'at all' in this sentence? in the slightest degree or in any respect

— Mister Micawber

  • nsfs2 What is the exact meaning of 'at all' in this sentence?
  • in the slightest degree or in any respect
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11 Answers
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nsfs2What is the exact meaning of 'at all' in this sentence?
in the slightest degree or in any respect
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Mister Micawber in the slightest degree or in any respect
Can 'at all' be used freely in similar positive contexts, or are there restrictions?

Thanks again.
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nsfs2Can 'at all' be used freely in similar positive contexts, or are there restrictions?
Take a look at this sense of "at all" in the link below-:
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/at#at-all
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nsfs2Can 'at all' be used freely in similar positive contexts, or are there restrictions?
With English, I never say 'freely'—there always seems to be an exception or two—but generally yes. See the first definition at the link silak has given you.
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nsfs2... the drugs that allow the patient to undergo surgery at all. ... What is the exact meaning of 'at all' in this sentence?
I don't think it's possible to specify an exact meaning in quite the way you may want. Rather than thinking in terms of a strict definition, it might be better to think in terms of a paraphrase that incorporates the meaning. Note h
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silak12Take a look at this sense of "at all" in the link below-:
Thanks. I had a look at the meaning before I posted. However, it seems that all the examples provided are interrogative or negative ones.
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CalifJimI don't think it's possible to specify an exact meaning in quite the way you may want. Rather than thinking in terms of a strict definition, it might be better to think in terms of a paraphrase that incorporates the meaning. Note how there is an implicit negative in the original which can be made explicit in a paraphrase.... the drugs that allow the patient to und
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How about this one-:..... It is the anaesthetist's job to administer the drugs that allow the patient to undergo (the pain of) surgery slightly.
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silak12It is the anaesthetist's job to administer the drugs that allow the patient to undergo (the pain of) surgery slightly.
What is your point with that change, silak? The use of 'slightly' there is simply wrong. Why have you suggested it?
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Mister MicawberWhat is your point with that change, silak? The use of 'slightly' there is simply wrong. Why have you suggested it?
Sorry sir!
But I understood "slightly" to mean "to a small extent" and I think that's what "at all" mean. Am I wrong here?
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