at a high level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a high level" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an activity done at the highest standard or quality. For example: "The student performed the task at a high level, exceeding the expectations of the teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let alone perform at a high level".

The New York Times - Sports

He still plays at a high level".

The New York Times - Sports

He's playing at a high level".

The New York Times - Sports

It's freeform, but at a high level".

The New Yorker

"Everybody's emotion was at a high level".

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone is playing at a high level".

The New York Times - Sports

Amar'e is playing at a high level.

The New York Times - Sports

"But he's unproven at a high level.

The New York Times - Sports

The help is at a high level now.

The New York Times

"He's playing at a high level right now.

The New York Times - Sports

"But refinancing is still at a high level historically".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a high level" to convey that something is being done with significant skill, expertise, or importance. It's suitable for describing performance, understanding, or strategic initiatives.

Common error

Avoid using "at a high level" when a simpler adjective like 'good' or 'advanced' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a high level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to describe the manner or extent to which an action is performed or a state is achieved. Ludwig examples show its use in describing performance, emotion, or even abstract concepts like optimization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a high level" is a versatile phrase used to describe activities, performance, or understanding that are exceptional in quality or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. While it is most prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business settings, avoid overuse in simple contexts to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives like "at an advanced stage" or "with considerable expertise" can offer nuance. Remember that "at a high level" focuses on the standard of execution, not hierarchical position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a superior standard

Emphasizes the quality and excellence of performance.

at peak performance

Highlights the best possible level of functioning.

with mastery

Emphasizes complete control and skill.

at an advanced stage

Focuses on the progression or development aspect, implying significant progress.

with considerable expertise

Highlights the knowledge and skill applied.

at a sophisticated degree

Highlights the complexity and refinement involved.

at the forefront

Emphasizes a leading or pioneering position.

in a comprehensive manner

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of an approach or understanding.

in a strategic way

Focuses on the planned and deliberate nature of an action.

on a grand scale

Indicates the extent and impact of an operation or initiative.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a high level" to describe performance, understanding, or operations. For example, "The athlete performed "at a high level" throughout the competition" or "The CEO understood the market dynamics "at a high level"".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "at an advanced stage", "at a superior standard", or "with considerable expertise".

Is it correct to say "at a highest level" instead of "at a high level"?

While "at a highest level" might seem logical, it is not a standard or commonly used phrase. "At a high level" is the more idiomatic and widely accepted expression.

What's the difference between "at a high level" and "in a high position"?

"At a high level" refers to the quality or standard of performance or understanding, while "in a high position" refers to someone's rank or status within an organization or hierarchy. They are not interchangeable.