at a micro level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a micro level" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something in detail or at a very small scale. For example, "At a micro level, the intricacy of the design is breathtaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's like an electoral college at a micro level.

The Guardian

This first method is at a micro level of analysis.

Acta Astronautica

At a micro level, the state, directed by the neoliberal agenda, also falls short.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At a micro level, investors must understand the risks," Dennehy says.

Independent

At a micro level, individual pieces of data contradict each other.

The Economist

But peace work is done at a micro level, one to one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

All that can be fine at a micro-level, but such efforts have made a small impact at best and have been disastrous at their worst.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of large-scale river-linking or damming projects, simple techniques at a micro-level for self-sufficiency will change the situation.

The Guardian

The solutions collectively efficient are determined, at a micro-level, by certain agreements between the two economic subjects.

Economic Modelling

Though this pedagogical strategy can prove successful, at times it may also reintroduce and exacerbate the initial problem of lackluster student participation, just at a micro-level.

University of California, Berkeley

This Palgrave Pivot explores the social and cultural impact of global trade at a micro-level from around 1600 to 1950.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a micro level", ensure it's followed by a specific aspect or element being examined in detail. For example, "At a micro level, the enzyme's active site is highly conserved."

Common error

Avoid using "at a micro level" when referring to macroscopic issues. It's meant for detailed examinations of small-scale phenomena, not broad overviews.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a micro level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the scale or scope of an action or observation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often introduces a detailed or granular perspective on a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a micro level" serves as an adverbial phrase, specifying a focus on detailed analysis or small-scale perspectives. Ludwig's AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across varied contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "in minute detail" or "on a granular scale" exist, "at a micro level" provides a versatile option for narrowing the scope of discussion. When incorporating this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended small-scale examination, avoiding its use for macroscopic discussions. The phrase’s prevalence in reputable sources such as Forbes, The Guardian, and The New York Times, underscores its acceptance in professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a granular scale

Changes the focus to the level of granularity, emphasizing fine detail.

in minute detail

Highlights the level of detail, suggesting a very close examination.

at the detailed level

Focuses on the level of detail rather than scale.

from a narrow perspective

Shifts the emphasis to perspective and scope.

on a case-by-case basis

Emphasizes individual consideration rather than smallness of scale.

in specific terms

Focuses on the precision and particularity of the description.

at the individual level

Focuses on single entities rather than scaling itself.

in close-up

Uses a visual metaphor for detailed examination.

at the atomic level

Implies consideration at the smallest possible unit.

in precise terms

Focuses on accuracy and exactness of expression.

FAQs

What does "at a micro level" mean?

The phrase "at a micro level" refers to examining or considering something in great detail or on a small scale. It's often used to describe an analysis that focuses on individual components or specific aspects rather than a broad overview.

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

You can use "at a micro level" to specify the scope of your analysis or observation. For example, you might say, "At a micro level, the changes in cell structure are significant," indicating that you are focusing on cellular details.

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

Alternatives to "at a micro level" include phrases like "in minute detail", "on a granular scale", or "at the detailed level". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "at a micro level" or "at a microscopic level"?

While both phrases suggest detailed examination, "at a microscopic level" typically implies using a microscope or other magnifying tool. "At a micro level" is broader and can refer to detailed analysis even without physical magnification.