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at all

at all with a negative

We often use at all to emphasise a negative idea.

  • I didn’t understand anything at all. (= I didn’t understand even a little.)
  • She was hardly frightened at all.

Questions, etc

At all can also be used in questions, and with ‘non-affirmative’ words like if, ever and any.

  • Do you play poker at all? (= … even a little?)
  • He’ll come before supper if he comes at all.
  • You can come whenever you like – any time at all.

Not at all.

The expression Not at all is used (especially in British English) as a rather formal answer to Thank you (see here) and to Do you mind if …? (see here).