at a grandmaster level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a grandmaster level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill or ability that is at the highest standard, often in contexts related to games, sports, or other competitive fields. Example: "Her chess strategy is so advanced that she plays at a grandmaster level, consistently defeating her opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His play was at a grandmaster level.

The New York Times

In Google Translate, gist often suffices; in chess, nobody can win at a grandmaster level by picking moves that are only roughly correct.

The New Yorker

While Finegold's rating consistently hovered above 2,500, the level needed to become a grandmaster, he struggled to earn the norms — performances in tournaments at a grandmaster level — that are also requirements for the title.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Correction: An earlier version of this post omitted chess pieces' positions as a factor in determining who is winning a grandmaster-level chess game.

The New Yorker

What separates a winner from a loser at the grandmaster level is the willingness to do the unthinkable.

Forbes

Deep Blue was able to exploit a weakness in chess's armor: at the grandmaster level, to tell who is winning, you add up the pieces on the board and consider their positions.

The New Yorker

When Combat is at Grandmaster level, your Hero should be a perfect Archer.

WikiHow

At grandmaster level, as Mr Johnson reminds us, most games end in draws.

The Economist

Deep Thought became the first computer to play at Grandmaster level in 1988, and the Deep Thought team received the Fredkin Intermediate Prize as a result.

Stanford University

Grandmaster Mednis agreed that Hitech would give any player in the world a real struggle, although there was no doubt among the experts that Hitech was not yet on a strong grandmaster level.

The New York Times

Almost all of that group reached grandmaster level at fourteen or fifteen, and most started playing when they were four or five.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a grandmaster level" to specifically denote a skill level comparable to that of a chess grandmaster, ensuring the context aligns with high-level expertise or strategic thinking. If talking about broad skills, it's better to use "at an expert level".

Common error

Avoid using "at a grandmaster level" in contexts that do not genuinely reflect exceptional skill or strategic depth. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a grandmaster level" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the degree or extent to which an action is performed, signifying a very high level of skill or expertise. Ludwig shows the phrase is commonly used in describing chess playing abilities or strategic thinking.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a grandmaster level" correctly describes a very high level of skill, comparable to a chess grandmaster, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys exceptional strategic depth and mastery. While grammatically sound, the usage should be carefully considered, avoiding overuse or misapplication in contexts lacking genuine expertise. Alternatives like "at an expert level" or "with grandmaster-level skill" offer broader applicability. When employed accurately, the phrase enhances writing by denoting unparalleled proficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an expert level

Uses a more general term for expertise, suitable for broader contexts.

at a professional standard

Emphasizes competence expected in professional settings.

at a master level

Similar to "grandmaster level" but can apply to a wider range of skills, not just chess.

with grandmaster-level skill

Rephrases to emphasize the possession of skill.

of grandmaster caliber

Uses a different noun to denote the level of quality.

to a grandmaster standard

Focuses on achieving a specific standard.

at the highest echelon

Indicates being at the top rank or position.

at the pinnacle of skill

Highlights reaching the peak of ability.

with unparalleled expertise

Stresses the uniqueness and superiority of the skill.

showing mastery in

Highlights control and deep understanding in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "at a grandmaster level" in a sentence?

Use "at a grandmaster level" to describe a skill or performance that matches the expertise of a chess grandmaster. For example: "Her strategic thinking operates "at a grandmaster level", allowing her to anticipate market trends accurately."

What are some alternatives to "at a grandmaster level" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "at an expert level", "at a master level", or "with grandmaster-level skill". These alternatives can broaden the application beyond just chess-related skills.

Is it appropriate to use "at a grandmaster level" in formal writing?

Yes, using "at a grandmaster level" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a level of skill that is exceptionally high and requires significant strategic thinking. However, ensure the context justifies the comparison to a chess grandmaster's expertise.

What's the difference between "at a grandmaster level" and "at an expert level"?

"At a grandmaster level" specifically implies a skill level comparable to that of a chess grandmaster, suggesting exceptional strategic and tactical thinking. "At an expert level", on the other hand, is more general and can apply to any field where someone demonstrates advanced proficiency.