Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
at the operational
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "at the operational" is not complete and lacks context, making it difficult to determine its correctness in written English.
It could potentially be used in contexts related to operations, processes, or activities, but it needs additional information to clarify its meaning. Example: "The team will meet at the operational level to discuss the project's progress."
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
This paper considers the stochastic off-line planning and on-line scheduling of operating rooms (OR) at the operational level.
First, investment decisions are often taken at the operational level.
News & Media
This process is controlled in theater at the operational level.
News & Media
"Now it's just talking about launching this, but the specific policies have to be developed at the operational level".
News & Media
"We learned our lesson," Mr. Murdoch, chuckling ruefully, said at the operational headquarters of the News Corporation on Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan.
News & Media
Having worked in the waste and recycling industry for a number of years, particularly at the operational end, I'm used to hearing fairly high levels of swearing.
News & Media
And Dave Gilboa, another Warby co-founder, told me that, at the operational level, having a social mission can offer distinct advantages.
News & Media
The insurer's lawyers have reviewed the litigation against the company, he explained, and a major accounting firm conducted "a very extensive review at the operational level".
News & Media
TLSR is an early tactical step in the partnership between Afghan National Security Forces ANSFF) and ISAF, controlled in theater at the operational level.
News & Media
We had a few vacancies at managerial level, at the professional level, and also at the operational level, which we needed to fill.
News & Media
that are relatively autonomous at the operational level, while strategic issues — and budgetary decisions — are dealt with at the company-wide level.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "at the operational", ensure it's followed by a noun or adjective that specifies what aspect of the operation is being referred to, such as "level", "stage", or "end".
Common error
Avoid using "at the operational" without clearly specifying the noun it modifies. For example, instead of saying "Improvements are needed at the operational", specify "Improvements are needed at the operational level" or "Improvements are needed at the operational stage".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "at the operational" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the location, context, or scope within the realm of operations. Ludwig examples show its use across various fields.
Frequent in
Science
39%
News & Media
32%
Formal & Business
11%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Wiki
5%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "at the operational" functions as a prepositional phrase specifying a context within practical operations. It is deemed acceptable by Ludwig, and commonly appears across diverse sources, including scientific publications, news outlets, and business documents. To improve clarity, it's best practice to always follow "at the operational" with a noun such as "level", "stage", or "end". Related phrases include "in the operational sphere" and "on the operational side". While versatile, its register varies based on the source, being formal in academic writing but neutral in news reports. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's a frequently used phrase in various professional and academic contexts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in the operational sphere
Replaces "at" with "in" and "level" with "sphere", focusing on a broader area of operation.
on the operational side
Shifts focus to the practical or functional aspects of operations.
within the operational framework
Emphasizes the structured environment in which operations occur.
from an operational perspective
Highlights a specific viewpoint centered on operations.
concerning operational matters
Focuses on issues or subjects related to operations.
regarding operational procedures
Specifically refers to established methods within operations.
in terms of operational execution
Emphasizes the carrying out or performance of operations.
during the operational phase
Highlights a specific time period within operations.
when it comes to operational tasks
Introduces a topic related to specific jobs or duties within operations.
related to operational efficiency
Focuses on optimizing performance and productivity in operations.
FAQs
How can I use "at the operational" in a sentence?
The phrase "at the operational" is typically followed by a noun, such as "level", "stage", or "end", to specify the aspect of operations being discussed. For example, "Decisions are made "at the operational level"" or "Problems were identified "at the operational stage"".
What does "at the operational level" mean?
"At the operational level" refers to the practical, day-to-day activities and processes within an organization or system, as opposed to strategic or high-level planning. It concerns how things are actually done in practice.
What are some alternatives to using "at the operational level"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in the operational sphere", "on the operational side", or "within the operational framework" to convey a similar meaning.
Is it correct to say "at the operational" without specifying a noun afterward?
While grammatically acceptable, it's generally better to include a noun after "at the operational" (e.g., "level", "stage", or "end") for clarity. Saying just "at the operational" can sound incomplete or vague.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested