at a deep level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a deep level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a great depth or intensity involved, or in a figurative sense to mean in a very thorough or deep manner. For example, "She understood the situation at a deep level, allowing her to make a wise decision".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gough agrees: "I live at a deep level".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At a deep level, there is a lack of reckoning".

The Guardian

To absorb the reality of it at a deep level".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is whether the whole film works at a deep level.

The New York Times

We've got this view of our country as being fundamentally anti-racist at a deep level.

The Guardian

At a deep level, this is about the magis, the greater glory of God.

Harvard University

At a deep level, they share the same method: explain behavior in terms of an equilibrium among maximizing individuals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"At a deep level these two grand systems – technology and democracy – are locked in a bitter conflict," writes Bartlett.

The Guardian - Books

It is that, at a deep level, the whole way we think about plastic has been transformed.

The Guardian

Tests a day later proved that the memory of those who took caffeine had been enhanced at a deep level.

Independent

At a deep level, both activities are competing for the same space in people's conscious and sub-conscious minds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While generally acceptable, in more formal writing, you might opt for synonyms like "profoundly" or "fundamentally" for conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "at a deep level" in situations where a simpler phrase would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of saying "I understood the instructions at a deep level", say "I understood the instructions well".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a deep level" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the depth or intensity of an action, feeling, or understanding. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is often used to emphasize the thoroughness or profound nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a deep level" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies profound understanding, impact, or connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news articles and academic papers to more informal writing. While it effectively conveys complexity and depth, it's important to avoid overuse in simple situations where a more concise alternative would suffice. Related phrases like "profoundly" or "fundamentally" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. By considering these nuances, writers can use "at a deep level" effectively to enhance the clarity and impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a profound level

Uses a different adjective to describe the level, focusing on the significance rather than the depth.

profoundly

This is a single-word adverb that directly replaces the prepositional phrase with a more concise option.

fundamentally

Focuses on the foundational aspect of understanding or change, rather than the depth.

with deep insight

Shifts the focus to the insight gained, instead of the level of understanding.

in essence

Highlights the core or most important aspect, differing from the original focus on depth.

at its core

Similar to "in essence", but emphasizes the central element of something.

in a thorough manner

Highlights the completeness and detail of the understanding, rather than its depth.

to a significant extent

Emphasizes the degree or magnitude of influence or understanding.

at a subconscious level

Focuses on the mental processing that occurs beneath conscious awareness.

intrinsically

Implies that something is inherently part of something else, changing the context.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a deep level" to describe the intensity of understanding, feeling or impact. For example: "She understood the problem "at a deep level"" or "The experience changed him "at a deep level"".

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

Alternatives include "profoundly", "fundamentally", or "in essence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at a deep level" or "on a deep level"?

"At a deep level" is more common and generally preferred. While "on a deep level" isn't grammatically incorrect, it is less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.

What does it mean to connect with someone "at a deep level"?

Connecting with someone "at a deep level" means having a profound and meaningful connection based on shared values, understanding, and empathy. It goes beyond superficial interactions.