level of earnest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "level of earnest" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when discussing the degree or intensity of sincerity or seriousness in someone's attitude or behavior. Example: "The level of earnest in her voice made it clear that she was genuinely concerned about the issue."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I was in no way prepared for this level of earnest schmaltzywaltz when my sugar levels are low and I haven't eaten lunch yet.

The Guardian

But if it was Dick's gift to find, again and again, these extended hyperbolic parallels, it was his genius to take them to a level of earnest madness that makes satire touch the edge of the sublime.

The New Yorker

I Went Too Far's only downside is that I haven't felt anything in six years, so I can't truly relate to something with this level of earnest emotion, let alone the kind that reduces someone to sadface acting to camera in a music video.

The Guardian - Music

Awareness of trans issues is expanding, and we deserve expansive news sources, too -- a news media that opens to a new level of earnest sensitivity and accountability for information they provide about trans/genderqueer people, if only for those teen queers looking for positive, accurate reflections of themselves in the world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The dancing was accompanied by an earnest level of political concern.

The New York Times

Back when I should have been studying for my O-levels, I, like a lot of earnest teenagers and bedroom bards in the 1980s, spent much of my free time writing and assembling badly photocopied fanzines.

The Guardian - Books

Yet these ills are perpetuated at the micro-level on a daily basis, through a lack of earnest interaction.

Huffington Post

Those jokey images, as well as a throbbing underscore that sounds like something lifted from a mid-80's action movie, add a distracting level of showbiz hokum to an otherwise earnest project.

The New York Times

The low production level of the show combined with the earnest, un-Reality TV approach of the cast members made for pretty excellent programming.

Huffington Post

Manhattan has become almost exclusively the borough of sleaze balls, and the more remote parts of the city the holdouts of earnest, truer folk – though, of course, as more neighborhoods rise in income level, more sleaze balls are created.

The Guardian - Opinion

The account is characterized by the extreme consciousness of the protagonists: the inarticulate struggles of earlier generations are now succeeded at the verbal level by earnest or bitter debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "degree of sincerity" or "extent of seriousness" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "level of earnest" excessively in formal writing; simpler, more direct language often has a greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "level of earnest" functions as a noun phrase, quantifying the degree or intensity of sincerity and seriousness. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to describe the measure or extent to which someone demonstrates genuine intent or feeling in a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "level of earnest" is used to describe the degree or intensity of sincerity. Ludwig indicates that while grammatically acceptable, the phrase is not as common as alternatives like "degree of sincerity". Usage is primarily found in news and media contexts. While not incorrect, opting for simpler alternatives may improve clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

degree of sincerity

Replaces "level of earnest" with a more common term for measuring sincerity.

extent of seriousness

Focuses on the seriousness aspect, using 'extent' as a measure.

depth of commitment

Highlights the commitment implied by earnestness, using 'depth' as the measure.

measure of dedication

Emphasizes dedication as a component of earnestness.

intensity of feeling

Focuses on the emotional intensity associated with being earnest.

earnestness of approach

Shifts from measuring the level to describing the approach itself.

sincerity of expression

Highlights the genuineness conveyed through expression.

seriousness of intent

Focuses on the gravity of the intention.

genuine commitment

Emphasizes a sincere and deep dedication.

profound sincerity

Indicates a deep and genuine quality of sincerity.

FAQs

What does "level of earnest" mean?

The phrase "level of earnest" refers to the degree or intensity of sincerity, seriousness, or genuine intention in someone's behavior or expression.

How can I use "level of earnest" in a sentence?

You can use "level of earnest" to describe the intensity of someone's sincerity. For example, "The "level of earnest" in her voice convinced everyone that she was telling the truth."

What are some alternatives to "level of earnest"?

Alternatives include "degree of sincerity", "extent of seriousness", or "depth of commitment", depending on the specific context.

Is "level of earnest" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, "level of earnest" isn't as commonly used as other alternatives like "degree of sincerity". Its appropriateness depends on the context, with simpler options often preferred.