level of intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'level of intelligence' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to someone's mental acuity or ability to think and learn. For example, "She had a high level of intelligence and was able to excel in all subjects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a very low level of intelligence that is crafty and shrewd, and can easily outsmart an intelligent person.

Huffington Post

Ditto a certain level of intelligence.

Independent

Astonishingly, the level of intelligence had slipped about eight notches.

The New York Times

A minimal level of intelligence and sophistication is de rigueur.

The Guardian - Film

People are hungry now for stories that respect their level of intelligence and their actual experience".

The Guardian - Film

The level of intelligence employed in this whole enterprise is pathetic if not infantile.

The Guardian

Second, there's the level of intelligence, different life experience and points of view.

The Guardian

"That requires another level of intelligence, which is a harder problem," he said.

The New York Times - Science

"The hive operates at a high level of intelligence," he said.

The New York Times

The level of intelligence of a terrorist group's leaders may determine the longevity of the group.

The New York Times

But the size of one's brain is unrelated to one's level of intelligence, right?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive abilities, specify what aspect of "level of intelligence" you are referring to (e.g., emotional intelligence, analytical skills) for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid equating "level of intelligence" with accumulated knowledge. Intelligence refers to the capacity to learn and reason, while knowledge is the information acquired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "level of intelligence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As shown in the examples Ludwig provides, it quantifies or qualifies cognitive ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "level of intelligence" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe cognitive ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, especially in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it often appears in formal discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific aspect of intelligence you are referring to and avoid equating it with knowledge. Alternative phrases like "cognitive capability" or "mental acuity" can offer greater precision depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

degree of intellect

Focuses on the intellectual capacity or mental power, similar to intelligence but emphasizes formal reasoning.

measure of intellect

Quantifies intellectual ability, implying assessment or evaluation of cognitive function.

cognitive capability

Highlights the capacity for mental processes like thinking, reasoning, and remembering.

mental acuity

Emphasizes sharpness, quickness, and keenness of mind.

intellectual capacity

Capacity emphasizes the potential or ability to learn, understand, and reason.

cognitive function

Refers to the mental processes involved in knowing, understanding, and learning.

intellectual horsepower

Emphasizes the power, strength, or ability of one's intellect.

mental prowess

Highlights exceptional skill, ability, or strength of mind.

brainpower

Informal term for intellectual ability or capacity.

mental capacity

Highlights the ability to retain and process information.

FAQs

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

You can use "level of intelligence" to describe someone's cognitive abilities. For example, "The study assessed the "level of intelligence" among participants".

What are some alternatives to "level of intelligence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "degree of intellect", "cognitive capability", or "mental acuity".

Is it appropriate to discuss someone's "level of intelligence" in professional settings?

While discussing cognitive abilities is sometimes necessary, it's important to be sensitive and avoid generalizations. Focus on specific skills and competencies rather than making broad statements about someone's "level of intelligence".

What is the difference between "level of intelligence" and "intellectual capacity"?

"Level of intelligence" generally refers to a current state of cognitive ability, while "intellectual capacity" implies the potential for future learning and development. Both terms are closely related.