at a granular level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a granular level" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a detailed or fine level of analysis or understanding of a subject. Example: "To fully understand the market trends, we need to analyze the data at a granular level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Literally and philosophically, at a granular level and a broad one, this is incorrect.

The Guardian - Opinion

McCartney's is a privileged life, but like that of any working mum it gets gritty at a granular level.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's an impressive exactitude here, combined with a passion to show us what we are like at a granular level far beyond the ken of our senses.

The Guardian

The band members studied the aggressive wallop of big-tent electronic dance music and hip-hop, trying to understand them at a granular level.

The New Yorker

It is true that things look better for Democrats at a granular level, which is why Mr Wang thinks they will hold the Senate.

The Economist

Said Dr. Junn, "We want to bring all the hyperbole around MOOCs down to reality, and really see at a granular level that's never before been available, how well they work for underserved students".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I've never worked in an industry where my time was bought at such a granular level before, so I braced myself for the career equivalent of an ice bucket challenge.

The Guardian

But Western Union also responds to customers' specific needs at quite a granular level.

BBC

Brent Rockwood, a director at Devon, suggested edits even on a granular level.

Huffington Post

"At Schwab and everywhere else, people are examining their costs at a pretty granular level," said Sondra Harris, a spokeswoman at Schwab, which is also raising the service fee on brokerage accounts with less than $10,000 to $45 a quarter, up $15.

The New York Times

As to how it works, at a more granular level: Severson says that once users (a collection of bloggers, developers, and "web-lebrities") join a startup, their share of the equity pool fluctuates based on a number of criteria, including feedback, which is tracked/rewarded in a point system.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in your analysis or description, use "at a granular level" to highlight the fine detail and thoroughness of your examination. For instance, "We analyzed the data at a granular level to identify specific customer behaviors."

Common error

Avoid using "at a granular level" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "in detail" or "closely" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a granular level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the degree or depth of an action or analysis. It indicates that something is examined or understood in great detail. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its role in describing detailed analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a granular level" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a detailed and thorough analysis or understanding. It functions adverbially, emphasizing the depth to which something is examined. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its frequent use in formal contexts such as news media, science, and business. While versatile, it is best suited for situations where precision and thoroughness are key, and should be used judiciously in more informal settings. Alternatives like "in detail" and "with great specificity" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase's authoritative sources include TechCrunch, The Guardian, and The New York Times, reflecting its widespread usage in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in detail

This alternative offers a more concise way to express thoroughness, omitting the preposition "at".

with great specificity

This alternative emphasizes the precision and exactness of the analysis or description, using "specificity" instead of "granular level".

in minute detail

This alternative stresses the smallness and meticulousness of the details considered.

on a detailed scale

This alternative focuses on the level of detail, replacing "granular level" with "detailed scale".

with a fine-toothed comb

This alternative uses an idiomatic expression to convey a thorough and meticulous examination.

at the micro level

This alternative highlights the focus on very small, individual components.

in a comprehensive manner

This alternative emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the approach.

with close scrutiny

This alternative focuses on the careful and critical examination involved.

in depth

This alternative offers a simpler way to express a thorough investigation, omitting the preposition "at".

at a microscopic level

This alternative suggests an examination of extremely small details, similar to looking through a microscope.

FAQs

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

Use "at a granular level" to indicate a detailed or fine-grained examination. For example, "The marketing team analyzed customer data "at a granular level" to understand purchasing patterns."

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

Alternatives include "in detail", "with great specificity", or "in minute detail". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "at a granular level"?

It is appropriate in formal writing, technical reports, and analytical discussions where a detailed examination is required. Consider using it when you want to emphasize the thoroughness of your analysis.

Is "at a granular level" interchangeable with "at a high level"?

No, they are opposites. "At a granular level" implies a focus on fine details, while "at a high level" suggests a broad, overview perspective. Ensure you use the correct phrase to convey your intended meaning.