at a cursory level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a cursory level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a superficial or brief examination of a subject or topic. Example: "At a cursory level, the report seems to cover all the necessary points, but a deeper analysis is required."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Canada's intention to correct an unfair trade regime, one that was clearly not in the interest of developing countries, is at a cursory level positive, but unless realistic and appropriate incentives are in place, the legislation will simply be an international embarrassment.

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This shows on a cursory level that stock market visions do exist in the US market and have a more significant impact during the special period.

Financial Innovation

Too busy to really connect with anyone or anything on more than a cursory level.

Huffington Post

Even at this cursory level of analysis, it is clear that the application of this approach can lead to the generation of interesting hypotheses for both fundamental and applied research.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

The brooch is clearly original, even at a cursory glance.

The New York Times - Style

At a cursory glance the website of Alistair Andrews Communications looked convincing enough.

Independent

At a cursory glance, Prince Harry will feel immediately at home at Sandhurst.

The Guardian

At a cursory glance, the scene appears lost in gloom and colorlessness.

The New York Times

Anyway: build quality, device heft, platform performance — at a cursory glance, it all seems top notch.

TechCrunch

But couples who disagree, said Paul Allen Beck, a political scientist at Ohio State University, usually make at least a cursory attempt to resolve their differences.

The New York Times

Whoever is behind the package has at least a cursory understanding of history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a cursory level" when you want to convey that an examination or analysis was not exhaustive or detailed. It's appropriate when introducing an initial observation that will be followed by a more in-depth exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "at a cursory level" if you intend to suggest that your analysis is comprehensive. Using it implies a limited or superficial understanding. If you're aiming to portray a deep understanding, refrain from using it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a cursory level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree or extent of an action or state. It describes that something is done superficially or without deep investigation, and Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a cursory level" is an adverbial phrase used to indicate a superficial or brief examination. While grammatically correct and featured in both scientific and news contexts, according to Ludwig AI, it implies a limited depth of analysis and should be used when precision on the examination level is needed. Alternatives like "superficially" or "on the surface" offer similar meanings. The phrase is best employed when setting expectations for the scope of an analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on first glance

Similar to "at a cursory level", indicating an initial impression.

at a glance

Offers a quick, immediate impression.

superficially

Implies a lack of depth or thoroughness in examination.

without deep analysis

Emphasizes the absence of detailed investigation.

on the surface

Focuses on the immediate appearance without deeper investigation.

at a basic level

Indicates a simple, uncomplicated understanding.

briefly

Indicates a short amount of time spent examining something.

in a preliminary manner

Describes something done as an initial step.

in passing

Suggests a casual or incidental examination.

perfunctorily

Highlights a routine or indifferent approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a cursory level" to indicate that something has been examined briefly or superficially. For instance, "At a cursory level, the data suggests an increase in sales, but further analysis is needed."

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

Some alternatives include "superficially", "on the surface", or "briefly". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at a cursory glance" instead of "at a cursory level"?

While both phrases imply a quick or superficial look, "at a cursory glance" is generally used in contexts where you're visually examining something, whereas "at a cursory level" is used for more abstract examinations or analyses.

How does "at a cursory level" differ from "in depth"?

"At a cursory level" implies a superficial examination, while "in depth" indicates a thorough and detailed analysis. They are essentially opposites.