level the playing field

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "level the playing field" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when an uneven situation is made more fair and balanced. For example, "The new competition rules have helped to level the playing field so now any team can have a chance to win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Level the playing field.

The New York Times

So let's level the playing field.

The New York Times

Contextual data could level the playing field.

The Guardian

"Districts level the playing field.

The New York Times

"This can effectively level the playing field".

The New York Times

Standardized tests level the playing field.

The New York Times

"We're trying to level the playing field".

The New York Times

Will that alone level the playing field?

The Guardian

This will level the playing field".

The New York Times

Native speakers must level the playing field.

Harvard Business Review

Can Schools Level the Playing Field?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "level the playing field", consider whether the context implies removing existing disadvantages or providing equal resources upfront.

Common error

Avoid using "level the playing field" when the issue is about guaranteeing equal outcomes, rather than equal opportunities. The phrase implies removing barriers to competition, not ensuring everyone finishes in the same place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "level the playing field" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes actions taken to create fairness and equal opportunity in a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "level the playing field" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe actions taken to create a fairer and more equitable situation, primarily by removing disadvantages. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various reputable sources, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives like "equalize opportunities" or "ensure fairness" exist, it's important to use the phrase when the focus is on removing barriers rather than guaranteeing equal outcomes. The high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources solidify its position as a valuable expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a level playing field

A more verbose variation with the same core meaning as the original phrase.

give everyone a fair chance

Emphasizes providing a fair opportunity to all individuals involved.

balance the scales

Uses a metaphorical image of balancing scales to represent the correction of an imbalance.

equalize opportunities

Focuses specifically on making opportunities equal, often in the context of social or economic disparities.

establish a fair competition

Highlights the importance of fairness in competitive environments.

promote equity

Focuses on equity, which acknowledges that different people may need different levels of support to achieve equality.

correct imbalances

Directly addresses the act of fixing existing imbalances or disparities.

ensure fairness

Emphasizes the broader concept of fairness rather than specifically addressing uneven advantages.

reduce disparities

Concentrates on diminishing existing differences or inequalities.

make things fair

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the desire for fairness.

FAQs

What does it mean to "level the playing field"?

To "level the playing field" means to create a situation where everyone has a fair and equal opportunity, typically by removing existing disadvantages or imbalances.

How can I use "level the playing field" in a sentence?

You can use "level the playing field" to describe actions or policies that aim to create fairness, such as, "The new regulations are intended to "level the playing field" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "level the playing field"?

Some alternatives to "level the playing field" include "equalize opportunities", "ensure fairness", or "promote equity" depending on the context.

Is "leveling the playing field" the same as guaranteeing equal outcomes?

No, "leveling the playing field" focuses on providing equal opportunities by removing barriers. It doesn't guarantee that everyone will have the same outcome, as individuals' efforts and circumstances can still vary.