historical levels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "historical levels" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to data or metrics that have been recorded in the past, often in a comparative context to highlight changes over time. Example: "The unemployment rate has reached historical levels not seen since the Great Depression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The index is still low compared with historical levels.

The New York Times

We are still building way below historical levels," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Others remain well below historical levels, or are considered at threat of global extinction, RSPB said.

Independent

With interest rates and inflation at low historical levels, any increase in rates would cut the price of bonds.

The New York Times

She said she did not expect the company's profitability to return to historical levels in the near-to-immediate future.

The New York Times

Tax increases and benefit restraints gradually rebuilt the funds, then states changed course and pushed taxes well below historical levels.

The New York Times

Most of the money still goes to pillar one, and it is based on historical levels of production.

The Economist

To be deemed rebuilt, fish stocks only have to be 40 percent of their historical levels, he noted.

The New York Times

The Economy: Optimism Edges Up Small-business optimism edges up but is still way below historical levels.

The New York Times

This has slowed to about 1.5% in recent years as spending recovery from the credit crunch low has yet to grow back to historical levels.

The Guardian - Business

The initial water tests seem to back up Bennett's claims, with samples showing mercury and other toxic substances at historical levels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing current data with "historical levels", clearly define the timeframe used to establish those historical levels. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "historical levels" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying 'Interest rates are below historical levels', specify 'Interest rates are below historical levels for the last 50 years'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historical levels" functions primarily as a noun modifier, often used with a preposition to indicate a comparison point (e.g., 'below historical levels'). It serves to contextualize current data by referencing past data sets, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "historical levels" is a common and grammatically correct term used to provide context by comparing current data to past trends. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications, indicating its widespread use in objective analysis. To avoid overgeneralization, it's best practice to clearly define the timeframe being referenced. Alternatives such as "past benchmarks" or "long-term averages" can be used depending on the nuance you intend to convey. The phrase serves to contextualize the significance of data and is found in various reputable sources, making it a valuable tool for clear and comprehensive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past benchmarks

Focuses on using previous data as a standard for comparison.

previous standards

Emphasizes established criteria from the past.

historical norms

Highlights typical or average conditions from the past.

long-term averages

Focuses on statistical averages calculated over a significant period.

former levels

A more direct way to reference previous measurements or states.

past records

Emphasizes exceptional or noteworthy data points from the past.

earlier figures

Specifically refers to numerical data from a prior time.

archival data

Refers to data preserved for historical or research purposes.

bygone values

Emphasizes that values are from a time long past.

traditional measures

Implies that these are long-standing and conventional metrics.

FAQs

How is "historical levels" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "historical levels" is used to compare current data or situations with past data, often highlighting changes or trends over time. For instance, 'The unemployment rate has reached "historical levels" not seen since the Great Depression'.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "historical levels"?

You can use alternatives like "past benchmarks", "previous standards", or "long-term averages" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. All of them are good alternatives to ""historical levels"".

Is it more accurate to say "historical levels" or "record levels"?

While both can refer to past data, "historical levels" generally refers to a broader range of past data for comparison, while "record levels" typically refers to the highest or lowest value ever recorded. The choice depends on whether you're comparing to general past trends or specific "record highs" or lows.

In what contexts is "historical levels" most commonly used?

The phrase "historical levels" is frequently used in economics, finance, science, and politics to provide context and perspective on current conditions by comparing them to past trends and data. It helps to illustrate whether a current value is typical, unusually high, or unusually low compared to the "historical levels".