at the proper level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the proper level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the appropriate degree or standard of something, such as skills, knowledge, or performance. Example: "To ensure effective communication, it's important that all team members present their ideas at the proper level for the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Ms. Fleming believes she could have sung the "Traviata" performances, but not at the proper level.

The New York Times

"They're going to fund it at the proper level," Mr. Murphy said.

The New York Times

A spring-loaded pressure-relief valve maintains the pressure at the proper level.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Man-made openings through the barrier beach two or three times a year keep the pond's salinity at the proper level for soft-shelled clams, oysters and other brackish water critters and plants).

The New York Times - Sports

By John McNulty If a Texaco salesman at a filling station has asked you, "Is your oil at the proper level today, sir?" or if you've ordered a malted milk at a soda fountain and the clerk has stood there, an egg in each hand, and asked, "One or two eggs today?," then you've been under the subtle influence of Mr. Elmer Wheeler, head of the Tested Selling Institute, 521 Fifth Avenue.

The New Yorker

If a Texaco salesman at a filling station has asked you, "Is your oil at the proper level today, sir?" or if you've ordered a malted milk at a soda fountain and the clerk has stood there, an egg in each hand, and asked, "One or two eggs today?," then you've been under the subtle influence of Mr. Elmer Wheeler, head of the Tested Selling Institute, 521 Fifth Avenue.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They may be highly seasonal, remaining hidden underground until the breeding season, or they may emerge from hiding places on any evening when moisture and temperature are at the proper levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The best way to find dates and the most conveniently situated club in the London area at the proper skill level is to check the British association's Web site, www.squaredancing.co.uk or call (from outside England) (44-1) 442 842-863 or (within the country) (0704-1) 484-202.

The New York Times - Travel

Children whose parents have died are less likely to be in school, less likely to be at the proper educational level, and more likely to drop out.

Unicef

If the thread tension isn't at its proper level the threads will knot up, jamming the sewing machine.

WikiHow

It maintains cholesterol at its proper level in the blood plasma, and inactivates the male and female hormones when imbalance threatens.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the proper level", ensure the context clearly defines what 'proper' means. For instance, specify "at the proper level of abstraction" or "at the proper level for the audience" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the proper level" without specifying what aspect you're referring to. Saying "ensure everything is at the proper level" is vague. Instead, clarify: "ensure the fluid is at the proper level" or "ensure training is at the proper level for new recruits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the proper level" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is in a suitable or required state, often relating to quantity, intensity, or complexity. It sets a condition for optimal functionality or achievement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the proper level" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify an ideal or required degree or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. For clarity, always specify what 'proper' refers to. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, ensuring context-specific precision enhances its effectiveness. Related phrases, such as "at the appropriate level" or "at the correct stage", offer semantic alternatives. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by always clarifying the aspect being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the correct stage

Replaces 'level' with 'stage', implying a point in a process or development.

at the appropriate grade

Substitutes 'level' with 'grade', suggesting a specific rank or standard, often in education.

at the right standard

Replaces 'proper level' with 'right standard', emphasizing the required or expected quality.

at the suitable height

Changes 'level' to 'height', referring to a physical or metaphorical vertical position.

at the optimal setting

Replaces 'proper level' with 'optimal setting', suggesting the most favorable configuration.

at the regulated amount

Changes "proper level" to "regulated amount", changing the semantic field towards a quantity that is regulated.

at the designated rank

Substitutes 'level' with 'rank', indicating a specific position within a hierarchy.

at the desired magnitude

Replaces 'level' with 'magnitude', focusing on the size or extent of something.

at the targeted value

Changes 'proper level' to 'targeted value', highlighting a specific aim or goal.

at the equilibrium state

Replaces 'proper level' with 'equilibrium state', referring to a balanced condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at the proper level" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can replace "at the proper level" with alternatives like "at the "appropriate level"", "at the "optimum level"", or "at the "required standard"".

What does it mean when something is described as being "at the proper level"?

When something is "at the proper level", it means it is in the correct, suitable, or required state or position. The precise meaning depends on the context; for example, fluid levels in a car engine or the degree of complexity in a lesson.

How do I use "at the proper level" in a sentence about education?

In an educational context, you might say: "The curriculum is designed to ensure that all students are challenged "at the proper level"" or "It's important to assess students' skills to place them "at the proper level" for instruction."

What is an antonym for "at the proper level"?

An antonym for "at the proper level" could be "inadequate", "insufficient", or "excessive", depending on whether the level is too low or too high.