at low level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at low level" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe something that is not at a high level. For example, "The student's reading comprehension was at a low level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

At low level, three local controllers regulate three subsystems independently.

Control Engineering Practice

"I saw war planes bombing and flying at low level," he said.

The New York Times

The expression of the remainding cytokines, except IL-25, remained at low level (Fig. 1).

Nature

By coming in at low level, the plane stays beneath the beams of enemy radar.

The New York Times

After primary infection, the virus remains latent and persists at low level in cells and tissues.

Journal of Clinical Virology

In the dehumidification system proposed here, outside air is exchanged at low level with greenhouse air.

Biosystems Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Tennis umpires at low-level professional events often input scores manually on to an IBM tablet.

The Guardian - Sport

The people who succeed at G.M. generally come into the company very early, at low-level jobs.

The New Yorker

So before he looks at "low-level" disruption, perhaps he should look at the "high-level" kind.

The Guardian

"Frankly, they won't cut it internationally if they remain at low-level standards," Mr. Ward said.

The New York Times

But they eventually exhausted their families' support and worked at low-level jobs.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at low level" to describe data or statistics, consider providing specific numerical values for clarity. For example, instead of saying "activity was at a low level", specify "activity was at 20% of the normal level".

Common error

Avoid using "at low level" to dismiss or devalue something. While it indicates a reduced state, it doesn't necessarily mean something lacks significance. For example, saying "the risk is at low level, so we can ignore it" is dangerous. Instead, acknowledge the risk while explaining the mitigation strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at low level" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the degree or position of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes states or conditions that are not high, advanced, or intense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at low level" functions as an adverbial phrase used to describe states, conditions, or positions that aren't elevated. As Ludwig AI accurately reports, this phrase follows standard grammar rules. Its frequency is common, observed across diverse domains like science, news, and general discourse. While versatile, it's important to use specific values when describing data and avoid implying insignificance when discussing risks. Overall, "at low level" is a reliable way to indicate a reduced state or degree in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a reduced height

Focuses specifically on physical height or altitude being reduced.

at a basic stage

Refers to a fundamental or initial phase of development or learning.

at a minimal amount

Emphasizes a small quantity or degree of something.

in the early stages

Highlights the initial part of a process or period.

on a small scale

Indicates something limited in size or scope.

at a depressed rate

Suggests a slow or reduced pace of activity or progress.

at a junior rank

Specifies a lower position within a hierarchy or organization.

in a humble position

Implies a modest or unassuming place or situation.

in a subordinate role

Indicates a supporting or secondary function.

with limited proficiency

Describes a lack of skill or expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "at low level" to describe something that is not at a high degree, such as "The river was flowing "at low level" due to the drought" or "The company hired new employees "at low level" positions".

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

"At low level" generally refers to a state or condition of being low, while "at a lower level" implies a comparison, suggesting something is lower than something else. For example, "The tide was "at low level" today" versus "The water was "at a lower level" than yesterday".

What are some alternatives to "at low level"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at a basic stage", "at a minimal amount", or "in the early stages" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "at low level" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context of your writing. In some cases, more precise language might be preferable. For example, instead of saying "investment was "at low level"", specify "investment was at 5% of the projected target".