level with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "level with" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to urge someone to be more honest with you, as in "level with me, what really happened?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Level with this person instead.

The New York Times

Street level with wheelchair access.

The New York Times

I'll level with you.

The Guardian - Tech

Why not level with the kid, politely?

The New York Times

"It's on a level with heroin".

The New York Times

Street level with wheelchair accessibility.

The New York Times

Street level, with wheelchair access.

The New York Times - Travel

I'll level with you, mister.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'll level with you here.

The Guardian - Music

BBC digital news level with CNN.

The Guardian

But I have to level with you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want someone to be completely honest and open with you, use "level with" to encourage directness.

Common error

Avoid using "level with" when you simply need information; it's best used when you suspect someone isn't being fully truthful or forthcoming.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "level with" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to be honest and transparent in their communication. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where candor is specifically requested.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "level with" means to be honest and straightforward, particularly when you think someone is not being completely truthful. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, often to encourage directness and candor. It's applicable in various contexts, including news reporting, academic discussions, and informal conversations. When using this phrase, remember that its primary purpose is to elicit truthfulness. If you need alternatives, consider phrases like "be honest with" or "be upfront with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be honest with

This alternative directly focuses on the aspect of honesty and openness in communication.

be frank with

This suggests a more straightforward and possibly blunt manner of being honest.

be upfront with

This implies being direct and not hiding anything from the start.

tell the truth to

This phrase emphasizes the act of conveying factual information without deception.

be candid with

This implies a sincere and impartial form of honesty, avoiding bias.

be straight with

This emphasizes directness and clarity in communication, avoiding ambiguity.

open up to

This focuses on sharing personal thoughts and feelings honestly.

disclose to

This suggests revealing information that was previously hidden or private.

bring up to speed

This focuses on updating someone with the necessary information to understand a situation.

be on par with

This alternative focuses on the aspect of being equal or at the same level.

FAQs

How can I use "level with" in a sentence?

You can use "level with" when you want someone to be honest with you. For example, you could say, "Please, "level with me" about what happened last night."

What does "level with" mean?

"Level with" means to be honest and straightforward, especially when someone might be withholding information. It is often a request for candor.

Are there any synonyms for "level with" that I can use?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "be honest with", "be frank with", or "be upfront with" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "level with"?

It's appropriate to use "level with" when you need someone to be truthful and open, particularly if you suspect they are not being completely honest or are avoiding the full truth.