This question is missing the options. I have found the complete question online. We are supposed to fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase:
Prices at the mall were outrageous,______, considerably higher than at other shopping centers.
A. or at least
B. in other words
C. not to say
Answer:
Prices at the mall were outrageous, A. or at least, considerably higher than at other shopping centers.
Explanation:
<u>"Or at least" is used when we add similar information to what has already been said, but not identical. It is as if we are rethinking what we said and specifying it better, being careful to not exaggerate. </u>
For example: "He hates ice cream, or at least I think he does, because he never has ice cream when he is with me." "Or at least" was used in the sentence to explain why I think he hates ice cream and to show that maybe the first piece of information was an exaggeration.
<u>This is the best phrase to use in the sentence given in the question. The speaker first says the prices are outrageous, be then he thinks again and uses "or at least" to show that the prices are higher than in other malls. Perhaps they were not outrageous after all.</u>
