作为状语,它通常修饰整个句子或谓语动词,可放在句首、句中或句末,强调“即使情况到了最坏的地步,结果也不会更糟”。
1、 描述最坏结果:
At the worst, we'll have to walk home if the bus doesn't come.
(如果公交车不来,最坏的情况是我们得走路回家。)
If the project fails, at the worst we'll lose a few thousand dollars.
(如果项目失败,最坏的情况是我们损失几千美元。)
2、 对人/事的最低评价:
At the worst, he's a bit disorganized—but he's still a good worker.
(往最坏里说,他只是有点没条理——但依然是个好员工。)
The movie wasn't great, but at the worst it was better than staying home.
(这部电影不算好,但往最坏里说,也比待在家里强。)
"at the worst" vs "at best":
"at best" 表示 “充其量;至多;往最好里说”(强调最好的情况,实际可能更差),与 "at the worst" 完全相反。
例:At best, the plan will take six months to complete.(充其量这个计划需要六个月完成。)
"at the worst" vs "worst-case scenario":
"worst-case scenario" 是名词短语,意为“最坏情况”(强调“场景/情形”),而 "at the worst" 是介词短语(强调“在…情况下”)。
例:We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. At the worst, we'll have to evacuate.(我们需要为最坏情况做准备。最坏的情况下,我们得撤离。)
"at the worst" 聚焦于最坏可能性,用于弱化焦虑(表示“即使最坏也能接受”)或客观描述底线结果。使用时注意与“at best”的反义区别,避免混淆。