be on a level with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on a level with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate equality or similarity in status, quality, or ability between two or more entities. Example: "In terms of experience, I believe she is on a level with the most seasoned professionals in our field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"If Jeff had lived, he would now be on a level with Bono," adds Ms Guibert.

Independent

He considers Petty's music to be on a level with that of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

The New Yorker

As a lyricist, Mr. Kahane, a singer-songwriter who eludes pigeonholes, may hardly be on a level with Auden, three of whose poems he courageously uses as the basis for songs.

The New York Times

On the other hand, those western European scholars who are unfamiliar with the special historical and social circumstances of the Balts have assumed Baltic folklore to be on a level with the thoroughly Christianized western European folklore and thus have underestimated its importance.

Britannica

Carlo Boutagy, a native of Canada who has lived in the Middle East and who runs the F1 FanZone, a park for fans outside the track at several races — although it won't be present in Austin — said the series must centrally develop its merchandising if it wants to be on a level with American sports.

The New York Times - Sports

THOMAS CARLYLE The real democratic American ideal is not that every man shall be on a level with every other man, but that every man shall have liberty to be what God made him.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"To lose to Australia and New Zealand both by one, you know you're on a level with those teams but you've got to get over the line," said Sara Bayman, the England centre.

The Guardian - Sport

Because of the fact that their personal well-being is not seen as being on a level with GDP, is there little wonder that people are disillusioned with politics?

Independent

"It's on a level with heroin".

The New York Times

For me it's on a level with Rembrandt".

The New York Times

Her head was on a level with his shoulders.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on a level with" when you want to indicate that two things are comparable in terms of status, quality, or achievement. Ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific criteria for comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "be on a level with" when comparing things that are fundamentally different or in contexts where a direct comparison is illogical. For example, comparing abstract concepts with concrete objects might not be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on a level with" functions primarily as a comparative expression, indicating that two or more entities share a similar status, quality, or ability. As evidenced in Ludwig's examples, this phrase is versatile and used across various domains to draw parallels between different subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on a level with" is a useful and commonly used expression for indicating comparability in status, quality, or ability. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news and media to encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "be comparable to" or "be equal to" exist, understanding the nuances of each can help refine your writing. Remember to use the phrase when a clear comparison is intended and avoid illogical pairings. Overall, "be on a level with" is a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be comparable to

Emphasizes similarity in quality or importance.

be equal to

Indicates exact equivalence in quantity, size, or value.

be on par with

Suggests a similar standing or achievement.

be in the same league as

Implies a similar level of skill or quality, often in a competitive context.

be equivalent to

Highlights functional or practical interchangeability.

measure up to

Focuses on meeting a certain standard or expectation.

be as good as

A more general comparison of quality or effectiveness.

be in the same class as

Implies that the two items/subjects in question are both very high in quality.

hold a candle to

Suggests the original item is vastly superior to the compared counterpart.

reach the heights of

Suggests that the first item has reached a level of greatness that the second item is also known to have reached.

FAQs

How can I use "be on a level with" in a sentence?

Use "be on a level with" to indicate that two or more things are comparable in terms of status, quality, or ability. For example, "In terms of experience, I believe she is "on a level with" the most seasoned professionals in our field".

What are some alternatives to "be on a level with"?

You can use alternatives like "be comparable to", "be equal to", or "be on par with" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "be on the same level with"?

While understandable, "be on the same level with" is slightly redundant. "Be on a level with" is more concise and grammatically preferred.

What's the difference between "be on a level with" and "be on par with"?

Both phrases indicate a similar level of quality or status. "Be on a level with" can sometimes imply a broader comparison, while "be on par with" often refers to meeting a specific standard or expectation.