at a very low level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a very low level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is minimal or basic in nature, often referring to skills, understanding, or quality. Example: "The project was completed at a very low level of quality, which led to numerous issues down the line."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The struggle is at a very low level.

The Guardian

All the basics are at a very low level.

The Guardian

She'd then continue to train at a very low level.

The New York Times - Sports

At a very low level of technological progress that's basically everything.

The Economist

Certain photoelastic materials exhibit birefringent characteristics at a very low level of strain.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

For these samples, the twinning stress stayed at a very low level until twinning was complete.

Acta Materialia

"Without a perfect set of facts," said Anderson, "We're looking at a very low level of accountably".

The Guardian

Despite the growth in bilateral trade, many critics note that it started at a very low level.

The New York Times

Vishneva is particularly concerned about the underdeveloped state of contemporary dance in Russia – "it's at a very low level still".

The Guardian

Moreover, in many districts like New Haven, the current rate of teacher turnover remains at a very low level.

Yale University

And in the first, second years of those contracts, those players performed at a very low level.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a very low level", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or assessed. For instance, specify whether you're referring to skill, quantity, or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "at a very low level" without providing specific context. Instead of saying "motivation was at a very low level", specify what aspect of motivation you're referring to, such as "engagement", or "interest".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a very low level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the degree or extent to which something occurs. It specifies that an action, state, or quality is present in a minimal or reduced amount. As per Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a very low level" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, indicating minimal presence or activity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what is being measured. Semantically similar alternatives such as "minimally" or "insignificantly" can be used to vary phrasing. Remember that while generally neutral, context dictates its specific register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a minimal degree

This alternative uses "degree" to emphasize the extent or amount of something being low.

to a limited degree

This alternative emphasizes the restriction or constraint on the extent or amount.

at a reduced extent

This alternative uses "extent" to highlight the scope or range being small.

at a negligible amount

This alternative underscores the insignificance of the quantity.

minimally

This alternative is a single-word adverb that conveys the idea of something being done or present in a minimal quantity or degree.

insignificantly

This alternative suggests that something is present or occurs to such a small degree that it is not worth considering or is negligible.

at a base quantity

This alternative emphasizes the foundational or starting amount as being low.

barely perceptible

This alternative highlights that something is hardly noticeable or detectable.

in small measure

This alternative is a more idiomatic expression that signifies a limited amount.

at a shallow depth

This alternative conveys the sense of something not being profound or extensive.

FAQs

How can I use "at a very low level" in a sentence?

You can use "at a very low level" to describe something that is minimal or basic. For example, "The river was flowing "at a very low level" due to the drought".

What are some alternatives to "at a very low level"?

Alternatives include "minimally", "insignificantly", or "at a minimal degree", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at a low level" or "at a very low level"?

"At a very low level" emphasizes the minimal nature more strongly than just "at a low level". The choice depends on the desired degree of emphasis.

What's the difference between "at a very low level" and "slightly"?

"At a very low level" indicates something is present but minimal, while "slightly" suggests a small degree of change or difference. They are not interchangeable in all contexts. For example: The company’s carbon emissions were "at a very low level" or The company’s carbon emissions increased "slightly".