at a certain level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at a certain level' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a general degree of something. For example, "We are able to provide a high level of customer service at a certain level of cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've set the bar at a certain level.

The Guardian

Everybody at a certain level can hit the shots.

The New York Times - Magazine

At a certain level, this shouldn't surprise anybody.

The Washington Post

Bonuses are capped at a certain level under EU rules.

Independent

At a certain level, they all play great tennis.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My scholarship depends on keeping my grade point average at a certain level.

The New York Times

At a certain level all the Bond stories are the same story.

The New York Times

"In the classroom, we like class size at a certain level.

The New York Times

I think people expect us to play at a certain level.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We priced tickets at a certain level for a reason, with the lowest price being £16.

BBC

"At a certain level, observance was maintained.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a certain level" to indicate a general threshold or degree without specifying exact values. This is especially useful when precision is not necessary or not known.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "at a certain level" without providing context or specific details when possible. Overuse can make your writing seem vague and less informative. If the specific level is important, try to quantify it or provide more descriptive context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a certain level" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun, indicating a general threshold, degree, or extent. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase introduces a condition or limitation without being precise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a certain level" serves as a versatile tool to express a general threshold or degree across various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal communication. While it's prevalent in "News & Media", scientific, and formal business settings, it's important to use it judiciously, providing specificity where possible to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "to a certain extent" or "up to a point" may offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a certain extent

This implies a partial agreement or limitation, focusing on the degree to which something is true or valid.

up to a point

Highlights a limit beyond which something is no longer true or effective.

within certain parameters

Emphasizes the boundaries or conditions that must be met.

on some levels

Suggests that something is true or applicable in certain respects, but not necessarily in all.

at a particular stage

Focuses on a specific point in a process or development.

at some stage

Focuses on an uncertain point in a process or development.

at a specific juncture

Focuses on an uncertain point in a process or development.

to a degree

Implies a certain measurement or amount, denoting the intensity of an action or state.

at a threshold

This alternative refers to the minimum level required before an effect is experienced or detected.

at a given standard

Refers to meeting an established criterion or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "at a certain level" in a sentence?

Use "at a certain level" to indicate a threshold or degree, such as "At a certain level, stress can improve performance, but excessive stress is detrimental."

What are some alternatives to "at a certain level"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "to a certain extent", "up to a point", or "within certain parameters".

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "at a certain level"?

Specificity enhances clarity. If precise details are available, replacing "at a certain level" with exact figures or descriptions is preferable.

What does it mean to say something plateaus "at a certain level"?

When something plateaus "at a certain level", it means it reaches a point where it stops increasing or improving. For example, "As one see, both the FROC curves plateau "at a certain level" of sensitivity, around 90%%."