Level the playing field

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Level the playing field" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe making a situation fairer or more equitable, often in contexts like competition or opportunities. Example: "The new policy aims to level the playing field for all students, ensuring that everyone has access to the same resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Level the playing field.

The New York Times

Level the playing field -- and start earlier.

Huffington Post

So let's level the playing field.

The New York Times

Contextual data could level the playing field.

The Guardian

"Districts level the playing field.

The New York Times

"This can effectively level the playing field".

The New York Times

Standardized tests level the playing field.

The New York Times

"We're trying to level the playing field".

The New York Times

Will that alone level the playing field?

The Guardian

This will level the playing field".

The New York Times

"We'll be raising funds to level the playing field".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "level the playing field", ensure the context clearly defines the specific advantage or disadvantage you are addressing. Be precise about what needs to be equalized for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "level the playing field" as a general solution for all inequalities. It implies a specific, addressable imbalance. Overusing it can dilute its meaning and suggest a superficial understanding of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "level the playing field" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. It describes the act of making a situation fairer, especially in contexts involving competition or access to opportunities, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "level the playing field" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions aimed at creating fairer conditions, typically in competitive environments. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its widespread use across various professional domains. While versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase precisely to clearly define the specific imbalances being addressed, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives include "equalize opportunities" and "create a fair environment". By understanding its nuances and contexts, writers can effectively use "level the playing field" to advocate for equity and fairness in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ensure a level playing field

Adds emphasis on ensuring the desired state of equality already exists.

Equalize opportunities

Focuses on making opportunities equal, shifting emphasis from a 'playing field' metaphor to direct action on opportunities.

Make things equitable

Replaces 'fair' with 'equitable', focusing on equity which may involve different treatment to achieve fairness.

Provide equal access

Centers on providing equal access to resources or opportunities, differing from the original metaphor.

Create a fair environment

Broader term, replacing the specific 'playing field' with the more general 'environment' to describe the setting.

Balance the scales

Employs a different metaphor involving scales to represent fairness and balance.

Promote fairness

Highlights the act of actively promoting fairness, moving away from the 'level playing field' metaphor.

Correct imbalances

Addresses existing imbalances directly, shifting from creating a level field to fixing inequalities.

Establish parity

Uses 'parity' to indicate equality or equivalence, changing the conceptualization of the phrase.

Foster impartiality

Highlights the active fostering of impartiality, focusing on unbiased treatment and decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "Level the playing field" in a sentence?

You can use "level the playing field" to describe actions taken to create fairer conditions in a competitive environment. For example, "The new regulations aim to "level the playing field" for smaller businesses competing with larger corporations."

What are some alternatives to "Level the playing field"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "equalize opportunities", "create a fair environment", or "ensure a level playing field".

Is it better to say "Level the playing field" or "Create equal opportunities"?

Both phrases are valid, but ""level the playing field"" is an idiom that implies addressing existing imbalances in a competition or situation. "Create equal opportunities" is more general and refers to ensuring everyone has the same chances from the outset.

What does it mean to "Level the playing field" in business?

In a business context, to ""level the playing field"" means to implement policies or strategies that reduce unfair advantages held by some companies over others. This might involve regulations, subsidies, or other interventions designed to promote fairer competition.