levelled off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leveled off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe when something that was increasing or decreasing becomes constant. For example, "After the initial rise in sales, the numbers leveled off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2007, sales levelled off.

The New Yorker

A levelled off, concrete flooring.

The Guardian

The fall in studios' employment levelled off in 2012.

The Economist

Shootings have levelled off in the past few years.

The Economist

Sugar consumption in China has levelled off in recent years.

The Economist

This comes after ratings levelled off between 2015 and 2016.

The Guardian

Our experimental site has been heaped up and levelled off in 2006 and 2007.

Soil and Tillage Research

The annealing time, where Tg-s levelled off, depended on sample concentration and annealing temperature.

Polymer

However, home range size and provisioning rates levelled off in landscapes with moderate to high forest cover.

Biological Conservation

Lately, digital titles have levelled off at about thirty per cent of book sales.

The New Yorker

In America the number of bariatric operations has levelled off (see chart 1).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "levelled off" to clearly indicate a point of stabilization after a period of change. This provides a concise and easily understood description of the data's behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "levelled off" to describe sudden or abrupt stops. This phrase implies a gradual stabilization rather than an immediate halt. Use words like "halted", "stopped" or "ceased" for sudden changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "levelled off" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in conjunction with an auxiliary verb (e.g., "has levelled off"). It describes a process where a previously changing quantity or rate becomes stable or constant. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "levelled off" is a versatile and widely used phrase that effectively describes the stabilization of a trend or rate after a period of change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse contexts, including scientific reports, news articles, and general communication. While synonyms like "plateaued" and "stabilized" exist, "levelled off" provides a clear and concise way to convey the idea of reaching a steady state. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a gradual stabilization rather than a sudden stop, and consider it’s a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached a plateau

Implies a horizontal leveling after a period of increase, focusing on reaching a stable state.

plateaued

A more concise synonym, directly indicating the achievement of a plateau or stable level.

stabilized

Highlights the action of becoming stable, suggesting a return to equilibrium.

remained constant

Focuses on the lack of change over a period of time, emphasizing consistency.

flatlined

Indicates a complete absence of change, often used in contexts of no growth or activity.

evened out

Suggests a reduction in differences or fluctuations, resulting in a more uniform level.

became stable

Highlights the transition to a state of stability after a period of change.

ceased to increase

Specifically denotes the end of an increasing trend, implying a halt in growth.

ceased to decrease

Specifically denotes the end of a decreasing trend, implying a halt in reduction.

reached a steady state

Emphasizes the attainment of a balanced and unchanging condition.

FAQs

How can I use "levelled off" in a sentence?

Use "levelled off" to describe a trend that has stabilized after a period of increase or decrease. For example, "After the initial surge in demand, sales "levelled off" during the second quarter".

What does "levelled off" mean in the context of data analysis?

In data analysis, "levelled off" indicates that a variable's rate of change has slowed and it has reached a stable value. This means the data no longer increases or decreases significantly over time.

Which is more appropriate: "levelled off" or "plateaued"?

"Levelled off" and "plateaued" are often interchangeable, but "plateaued" might be more suitable for situations where the data has reached a distinct high point before stabilizing. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some common synonyms for "levelled off" in describing trends?

Common synonyms include "stabilized", "remained constant", or "reached a plateau". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.