an abstract level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an abstract level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, theories, or ideas that are not concrete or specific, often in academic or philosophical contexts. Example: "At an abstract level, the theory suggests that all human behavior is influenced by underlying psychological factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It differs from traditional search-based techniques in ATP not least with respect to its level of abstraction: the proof of a theorem is planned at an abstract level and an outline of the proof is found.

Artificial Intelligence

At an abstract level, all tactics are about space.

The Guardian - Sport

It's kitsch to an abstract level, you understand.

The Guardian - Arts

"You can reach people on an abstract level, but you need character development," he said.

The New York Times

At an abstract level, people seem to be what philosophers call incompatibilists: those who believe free will is incompatible with determinism.

The New York Times - Science

There's a lot of stuff like this which is either explicit or implied in sects of all kinds, and at an abstract level we all know it.

The New York Times

Z, B and RAISE are well known formal notations used at an abstract level of specification.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

The API enables to process chemical information from an abstract level, similar to a workflow tool.

Journal of Cheminformatics

They are implemented in the Oz language at an abstract level.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

At an abstract level, The Elements of Law, the Elements of Philosophy, and Leviathan all share a structure.

SEP

Thus, on an abstract level, a magnetic storage medium can be an alternative to an electronic communication link.

Embedded Microcontroller Interfacing for M-CORE Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an abstract level" when you want to discuss ideas or concepts without going into specific details. This is particularly useful in introductions, summaries, or when outlining general principles.

Common error

Avoid using "an abstract level" excessively. Over-abstraction can make your writing vague and difficult to understand. Always balance abstract concepts with concrete examples to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an abstract level" functions as a modifier, often used adverbially, to describe the degree to which something is conceptual or theoretical rather than concrete or specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sets the stage for discussing ideas in a non-specific manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an abstract level" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to discuss ideas and concepts in a non-specific, theoretical manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for introducing general principles and providing overviews. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific and academic contexts, but also appears in news media. When using this phrase, it's essential to balance abstraction with concrete examples to ensure clarity. Alternatives include phrases like "a theoretical plane" or "a conceptual dimension", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a theoretical plane

Focuses on the theoretical aspect rather than the level of abstraction.

a conceptual dimension

Emphasizes the conceptual nature of the topic, highlighting its dimension.

a generalized standpoint

Highlights the broad and non-specific viewpoint.

a non-specific perspective

Focuses on the lack of specific details or concrete instances.

a high-level overview

Indicates a simplified and broad summary of the topic.

a basic comprehension

Refers to a fundamental and simplified understanding.

a streamlined representation

Focuses on simplifying a concept for better understanding.

an idealized interpretation

Highlights an abstract and simplified viewpoint.

a schematic illustration

Emphasizes the simplified or diagrammatic representation.

a rudimentary understanding

Suggests a simple or basic initial understanding of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "an abstract level" in a sentence?

You can use "an abstract level" to introduce a general idea or concept before delving into specifics. For example, "At "an abstract level", all business strategies aim to maximize profit."

What are some alternatives to "an abstract level"?

Alternatives include "a theoretical plane", "a conceptual dimension", or "a generalized standpoint", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to explain concepts at "an abstract level" or with concrete examples?

It depends on your audience and purpose. Starting at "an abstract level" can provide a broad understanding, but concrete examples are crucial for making your explanation clear and relatable.

What does it mean to understand something at "an abstract level"?

Understanding something at "an abstract level" means grasping the general concept or principle without necessarily knowing all the specific details or applications.