Phrase Usage – Using ‘At All’ in Positive Sentences

phrase-usage

I know that "at all" should be used in negative sentences or questions. Like,

  1. Has the condition changed at all?
  2. The condition hasn't changed at all.

But recently I came across "at all" in a positive sentence that reads:
"But if a boy is at all difficult, as he gets older, most mothers will find it more and more difficult to control their son."

Is using "At all" correct in positive sentences?
Or does it have another meaning in positive sentences like this?

Best Answer

Conditionals are negative polarity contexts, just as much as negative statements, and questions:

Negative:

I didn't hear anything.

Question:

Did you hear anything?

Conditional:

If you hear anything, you'll tell us, won't you?

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