a dangerous level

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dangerous level" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to a level or situation that poses a significant risk or threat. Example: The pollution in the river has reached a dangerous level, making it unsafe for swimming or fishing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What Constitutes a Dangerous Level of Lead?

The New York Times

Will it show up at a dangerous level?

The New York Times - Science

It was perfectionism taken to a dangerous level.

The New York Times - Sports

Interpreted at the other extreme and a dangerous level of nationalistic jingoism feels uncomfortably tangible.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a dangerous level of executive overreach, and the country will not stand for it".

The Guardian

For spring, denim threatens once again to attain a dangerous level of chic.

The New York Times - Magazine

The water would boil off to a dangerous level in another week or two.

The New York Times

We tried to define a dangerous level and see what the risks are," he said.

The Guardian

It is hence prudent to detect this water intrusion before it accumulates undetected to a dangerous level.

Journal of Space Safety Engineering

It was by no means a dangerous level; nonetheless, it was a sensation that few people would welcome.

The New Yorker

She tried to compensate by raising the weak two-spade response, taking the partnership to a dangerous level.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dangerous level", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes danger and its potential consequences. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a dangerous level" without specifying what makes it dangerous. For example, instead of saying "The radiation reached a dangerous level", specify: "The radiation reached a dangerous level, posing a risk of long-term health effects".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous level" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It indicates a specific point or extent of something that poses a risk or threat, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dangerous level" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has reached a point where it poses a significant risk. According to Ludwig, this phrase is primarily used in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "a dangerous level", it's crucial to clearly define what constitutes danger in that context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "a hazardous degree" and "a critical threshold", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to be specific when describing what makes the level dangerous for maximum impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hazardous degree

Replaces "dangerous" with "hazardous", emphasizing the presence of risk.

a critical threshold

Substitutes "level" with "threshold", suggesting a boundary beyond which significant change or danger occurs.

an unacceptable risk

Focuses on the risk being intolerable rather than a specific level.

a precarious state

Shifts the focus from a specific measurement to an overall unstable or risky situation.

a severe intensity

Replaces "dangerous" with "severe" and "level" with "intensity" to highlight the magnitude of the danger.

a worrying extent

Focuses on the cause for concern that the level is creating.

a concerning magnitude

Highlights the size or scale of the dangerous situation.

a threatening proportion

Emphasizes the looming danger and scale.

a volatile point

Suggests a turning point where instability becomes a major concern.

an alarming stage

Highlights the concerning nature of the current state.

FAQs

How can I use "a dangerous level" in a sentence?

You can use "a dangerous level" to describe situations where something has reached a point of posing a threat or risk. For example: "The floodwaters rose to a dangerous level", or "Pollution in the city has reached a dangerous level".

What are some alternatives to "a dangerous level"?

Some alternatives include "a hazardous degree", "a critical threshold", or "an unacceptable risk", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a dangerous level"?

While not always required, quantifying "a dangerous level" can significantly enhance clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "The noise reached a dangerous level", specifying "The noise reached 120 decibels, a dangerous level for sustained exposure" provides a clearer understanding of the risk.

What makes a level "dangerous"?

A level is considered "dangerous" when it poses a significant risk of harm, damage, or negative consequences. This could relate to health, safety, environmental impact, or other critical factors. The specific criteria defining what constitutes /s/dangerous vary depending on the context.