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
level after level
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "level after level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is occurring in successive stages or layers, often implying a sense of progression or depth. Example: "The game became increasingly challenging, with obstacles appearing level after level."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
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
14 human-written examples
Yet in the face of such horror the authorities of the British state failed, egregiously and comprehensively, at level after level after level.
News & Media
Mr. Kameny contested his firing through level after level of legal appeal, until the Supreme Court declined to hear his case in 1961.
News & Media
There was a time that brainy, pimple-cheeked misfits could only work out their frustrations alone, in action-figure-filled bedrooms, blasting through level after level in "shooter" video games likes Wolfenstein 3D.
News & Media
So he drops them into a contraption that looks like a pinball machine powered by a vacuum cleaner, and they blow through level after level until they are stripped.
News & Media
The four remaining teams this year — Thunder, Warriors, Raptors, Cavaliers — have trudged or glided through level after level, inching their way toward the video-game boss that is the Finals.
News & Media
Ms. Horwitz described them as "sinuous figures cavort, hunt, make love, make war, make music, smile at themselves in mirrors, twist, turn, wiggle and dance – all in level after level of horizontal friezes encircling the edifices".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
Statistically significant increases were found between presupplementation levels and levels after 200 mg of supplementation in total T-cell activation (as measure by CD3+) (P <.001), helper T-cell activation (as measure by CD4+) (P <.001), cytotoxic T-cell activation (as measured by CD8+) (P <.001), and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (P <.05).
Science
There are weapons available in each level and after level three, the player has the use of a lightsaber, along with the Force.
Wiki
However, the rate at which participants withdrew from the trial rose with each level: 21% withdrew after level 1, 30% after level 2, and 42% after level 3. STAR*D used remission as an outcome measure, meaning that patients had to be essentially symptom-free.
Science
The analysis will be carried out for the POST treatment assessments (after level 1 and level 2 respectively) and follow-up data of the outcome variables.
Science
Despite the correlation between YKL-40 and UACR, we found a significant association between YKL-40 levels and level of albuminuria after adjustment for significant covariates, implicating increasing albuminuria with increasing YKL-40 levels.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "level after level" to effectively depict progressive stages or increasing complexity in games, processes, or hierarchical systems. This creates a sense of depth and sustained challenge.
Common error
Avoid using "level after level" when simpler terms like "next" or "subsequent" would suffice. Reserve it for scenarios where the layered or tiered nature is significant to the description.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "level after level" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something progresses or unfolds. It indicates a sequential progression through distinct stages or layers, as supported by Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
43%
Science
36%
Wiki
21%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "level after level" is a versatile phrase used to describe the progressive unfolding of stages or increasing complexity in various scenarios. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it emphasizes a sequential, often hierarchical progression. While synonyms like ""tier after tier"" and ""layer after layer"" offer similar meanings, "level after level" maintains a neutral register and can add a specific nuance of sustained challenge or increasing depth when used appropriately. Avoid overuse in simplistic contexts to retain its descriptive impact.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
tier after tier
Emphasizes a hierarchical structure with ordered ranks or grades.
layer after layer
Highlights the superimposed arrangement of flat sections or strata.
stage after stage
Focuses on the progression through distinct steps in a process.
phase after phase
Implies a cyclical process that repeats in intervals.
round after round
Stresses repetitive actions or events.
step after step
Suggests a gradual and methodical advancement.
episode after episode
Indicates a series of connected occurrences.
degree after degree
Emphasizes a gradual increase in measurement or intensity.
unit after unit
Focuses on individual parts forming a larger whole in sequence.
section after section
Highlights the segmented structure that is passed through.
FAQs
How can I use "level after level" in a sentence?
You can use "level after level" to describe progressive stages or increasing complexity. For example, "The difficulty increased "level after level" in the video game".
What are some alternatives to "level after level"?
Some alternatives include "tier after tier", "layer after layer", or "stage after stage", depending on the context.
Is "level after level" formal or informal language?
"Level after level" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in general descriptions and narratives.
What's the difference between "level after level" and "step by step"?
"Level after level" emphasizes distinct stages or tiers, while "step by step" focuses on a gradual and methodical progression. The term "step by step" implies detailed instructions and progressive linear actions.
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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
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested