Language/English/Vocabulary/At-all

At all

"At all" with a negative

We often use "at all" to emphasize a negative idea. 

Examples:

• I did not understand anything at all. (= I did not 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. 

Examples:

• Do you play piano at all? (= . . . even a little?)

• He will come before dinner 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" and to "Do you mind if. . .?"