levels upon levels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "levels upon levels" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or concept that has multiple layers or complexities, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The plot of the novel is intricate, with levels upon levels of meaning that reveal themselves as you read further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"When you clean out a soundstage for a show that's been in existence for 20, 30, 40 years, it's levels upon levels of history that just all of a sudden unravel," Ms. Stiegelbauer said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

She tries not to look up at the level upon level of balconies, which rise from the lobby floor.

The New York Times

The chili was a minor masterpiece, with level upon level of flavor.

The New York Times - Food

They all arrived with only their guitars, their finely turned melodies, their reflections on music and relationships, and, displayed just as openly, level upon level of self-consciousness.

The New York Times - Arts

So we struggle through level upon level with nothing more than a potato knife and deeply flawed hand-to-hand combat mechanic to protect us.

The Guardian - Tech

I looked upwards to the beach where the third boy was both defeating level upon level of the game while keeping a watchful eye on my bag so that no one who needed money as desperately as he did, would steal it from me.

Huffington Post

We observed decreased levels p16 levels upon AAV9-mTERT treatment in most organs studied (Supporting Information Fig S9C and D) with the exception of the heart.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Our studies reveal a complex pattern of changes in kainate receptor subunit expression induced by adrenalectomy and corticosteroid replacement and a significant and somewhat paradoxical effect of CRS and chronic corticosterone on KA1 mRNA levels, but no effect of CRS upon either KA2 mRNA levels or levels of GluR5-7 mRNA.

Plosone

In New York, each waste-water treatment plant must reduce its nitrogen output to agreed upon levels.

The New York Times

The pyramid had four stepped levels upon a basal platform.

Wikipedia

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Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "levels upon levels" to convey a sense of escalating complexity or a multi-layered structure, whether physical or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "levels upon levels" when a simpler description of quantity or height would suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing depth or complexity beyond mere accumulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "levels upon levels" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to modify a noun, adding emphasis to the quantity or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The examples show it describing various things, from history to flavors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "levels upon levels" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that functions to emphasize layering or complexity. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is relatively rare. It's found across various sources, including News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, consider whether alternatives such as "layers upon layers" or "tier upon tier" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. It is important to use this expression only in situations where you are trying to convey complexity rather than simple addition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

layers upon layers

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical layering effect.

tier upon tier

Emphasizes a hierarchical arrangement or structure.

depth upon depth

Highlights the increasing complexity or profundity.

layer after layer

Suggests a sequential addition of layers.

one level after another

Indicates a progression through different stages.

successive levels

Highlights the sequential and ordered nature of different levels.

multiple strata

Implies distinct layers or divisions.

graded steps

Focuses on a series of ascending or descending levels.

complex stratification

Emphasizes the intricate layering and organization.

deeply layered

Highlights the profound and multi-layered nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "levels upon levels" in a sentence?

You can use "levels upon levels" to describe situations with multiple layers of meaning or complexity. For example: "The conspiracy had "layers upon layers" of deceit."

What does "levels upon levels" mean?

The phrase "levels upon levels" suggests a situation or structure with multiple layers or stages, often indicating increasing complexity or intensity.

Are there alternatives to using "levels upon levels"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "layers upon layers", "tier upon tier", or "depth upon depth" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "levels upon levels" formal or informal?

The phrase "levels upon levels" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in descriptive or narrative writing where you want to emphasize the complexity or layered nature of something.