At any rate means at least: you move from a guess to something you know for certain. I think the repair is finished. At any rate, the printer is working again. Its second meaning is 'in any case': We're not leaving before breakfast, at any rate.
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At any rate, + a firmer or narrower statement; a decision + at any rate
- I think the repair is finished. At any rate, the printer is working again.
- We may stay another night, but we are not leaving before breakfast, at any rate.
- The exhibition seemed popular; at any rate, the entrance hall was crowded.
What changed
First versionI think the repair worked. In any rate, the warning light has gone out.
RevisionI think the repair worked. At any rate, the warning light has gone out.
In any case makes in feel natural, so you get in any rate. But rate in this phrase takes at: at any rate, just like at this rate.
At this rate means 'if things continue like this': At this rate, we'll finish next year. At any rate falls back to a solid fact: The plan seems popular; at any rate, nobody has complained. At least also means this, and with a number it means 'no fewer than': at least ten people.
Your turn
You are narrowing a guess to an observed fact: I think they accepted the idea; ___, they asked us to prepare a proposal.
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at any rate — The speaker separates a guess from a fact: the idea seems to have been accepted, and the request for a proposal is certain. That's at any rate; at this rate would be about speed or progress.
Guess how a friend's exam or interview went, then add what you know for sure with at any rate.
I think the exam went well; at any rate, she was smiling when she came out.
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