at water level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at water level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific height or position that is equal to the surface of the water, often in contexts related to construction, navigation, or environmental studies. Example: "The dock was built at water level to ensure easy access for boats during high tide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The headlights, at water level, cast an eerie light.

The New Yorker

Down carpeted stairs on the lower level, another en suite bedroom has windows at water level, perfect for spotting wildlife.

The Guardian - Travel

The new canal was 36 metres (117 feet) wide at water level, with a depth of 2 metres (6.5 feet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

At water level, it is evidently length, not height, that counts when keeping score with the next oligarch.

Independent

The canals have a unique "wharf cellar" structure, meaning the streets are split-level – with lots of bars and restaurants at water level.

The Guardian - Travel

A railroad bridge that the corps expected to be raised was at water level and restricting the flow of the canal, and its controls were inaccessible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Toenail arsenic levels were shown to closely correlate with drinking water arsenic at water levels > 1 ppb (Karagas et al. 2000).

Environmental Health Perspectives

In this study, field investigations of macroinvertebrates in the West River were conducted in November 2009 (at low water level) and May 2010 (at high water level).

Quaternary International

Neglecting the wind shear on the water surface, the boundary condition for the horizontal velocity at the water level is given as (16)W at the water level also becomes zero.

Earth, Planets and Space

Irrigated plots were maintained at a water level of approximately 5 cm until harvest, at which time they were drained.

Rice

You're sitting at about water level.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the position of objects in or near water, use "at water level" to clearly indicate that the object's height is aligned with the surface of the water. This is especially useful in nautical descriptions or hydrological reports.

Common error

Ensure you're accurately describing the position. "At water level" indicates the object is on the surface, while "below water level" means it's submerged. Using the wrong phrase can significantly alter the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at water level" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to specify a location or position that coincides with the surface of a body of water. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at water level" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that denotes a position or location on the surface of water. Ludwig's examples show its presence across news, encyclopedia entries and science sources, which makes the expression appropriate for neutral registers. The phrase primarily functions as an adverbial, providing a spatial reference as to where things are located, indicating that an object is aligned or adjacent to the surface of water. It is important not to confuse it with "below water level", and to consider alternatives such as "on the water's surface" or "at the waterline" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the water's surface

This alternative directly specifies the location as being the surface of the water, offering a more literal description.

at the water's edge

This describes a location precisely where land and water meet, often synonymous with locations at the surface.

at the waterline

This phrase refers specifically to the line on a hull or shore to which the water reaches, implying contact and position.

flush with the water

This indicates that something is level with the water surface, emphasizing alignment and evenness.

level with the water

Similar to 'flush with the water', this phrase denotes a state of being equal in height or plane with the water's surface.

at sea level

While referencing elevation, this connects a reference point on land with the sea's average surface height.

surface level

Implies the highest point or most outward aspect of the water, a viewpoint at or near "at water level".

in the shallows

This suggests a location near the water's edge where the depth is minimal and implies nearness to water level.

with water lapping

Highlights action of water reaching a certain high, rather than focusing on a specific point

at submersion depth

This refers to the depth at which something is underwater, where submersion occurs and therefore implies an intersection "at water level".

FAQs

How is "at water level" used in a sentence?

The phrase "at water level" describes something positioned on the surface of a body of water. For example, "The dock was built at water level to allow easy boat access during high tide."

What are some alternatives to saying "at water level"?

You can use alternatives like "on the water's surface", "at the waterline", or "flush with the water" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "at water level" versus "below water level"?

"At water level" is used when something is positioned right on the surface of the water. "Below water level" is used when something is submerged or lower than the surface of the water.

How does the meaning of "at water level" differ from "sea level"?

"At water level" describes the position relative to the surface of a specific body of water, which can vary. "Sea level" refers to the average height of the ocean's surface and is used as a standard reference point for elevation.