leveling the playing field

USAGE SUMMARY

"leveling the playing field" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing fairness or equality in competition or opportunities. For example: "The new policy aims at leveling the playing field for all students." Alternative expressions include "creating equal opportunities" and "ensuring fairness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leveling the playing field.

The New York Times

It's about leveling the playing field".

The New York Times

Fundamentally, Mr. Jackson's proposal is about leveling the playing field.

The New York Times

Are colleges coddling students or just leveling the playing field?

The Washington Post

Goodell's treatment of Roethlisberger goes a long way toward leveling the playing field.

The New York Times - Sports

One thing it has not achieved, however, is leveling the playing field among candidates.

The New York Times

The answer to leveling the playing field is to make college unnecessary for job readiness.

The New York Times

But leveling the playing field of international trade could advance all of these goals.

The New York Times

Paraplegic triathletes face a similar rule aimed at leveling the playing field.

The New York Times - Sports

" 'Leveling the playing field,' " Chief Justice Roberts wrote, "can sound like a good thing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Their slogan was about 'leveling the playing field for small publishers' and they did".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leveling the playing field", ensure the context clearly defines the specific advantages or disadvantages being addressed. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "leveling the playing field" without specifying who benefits or how the field is being leveled. Vague statements can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leveling the playing field" functions as a metaphorical expression, often used as a noun phrase to describe actions or policies designed to create fairer and more equal opportunities. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to describe initiatives across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leveling the playing field" is a common expression used to describe actions or policies aimed at creating fairer and more equal opportunities. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news media, academic discussions, and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is generally used to advocate for fairness and equality. While the expression is neutral in register, it's most effective when the specific advantages or disadvantages being addressed are clearly defined. Some alternatives include "creating equal opportunities", "ensuring fairness", and "promoting equality".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating equal opportunities

Focuses on the act of making opportunities equally accessible.

ensuring fairness

Highlights the act of making certain something is just and equitable.

promoting equality

Emphasizes the act of actively promoting a state of being equal.

establishing a level playing field

Focuses on the establishment of a fair environment.

equalizing opportunities

Highlights the act of making opportunities equal.

fostering a fair environment

Focuses on nurturing and supporting a fair and just setting.

providing a fair chance

Emphasizes offering an equal and just opportunity.

creating a just environment

Highlights the act of creating an environment characterized by justice and fairness.

evening the odds

Focuses on reducing advantages to make competition fairer.

reducing disparities

Emphasizes the act of minimizing differences or inequalities.

FAQs

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

You can use "leveling the playing field" to describe actions or policies that aim to create more equal opportunities, such as "The new scholarship program is aimed at "leveling the playing field" for students from disadvantaged backgrounds."

What does "leveling the playing field" mean?

The phrase "leveling the playing field" means creating a situation where everyone has an equal opportunity, especially by removing unfair advantages or disadvantages.

What are some alternatives to saying "leveling the playing field"?

Alternatives to "leveling the playing field" include "creating equal opportunities", "ensuring fairness", or "promoting equality".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "leveling the playing field"?

It's appropriate to use "leveling the playing field" in contexts discussing fairness, equality, and opportunity, such as in discussions about education, sports, business, or social justice. However, avoid using it in contexts where absolute equality is impossible or undesirable, such as when discussing innate talents or skills.