on a figurative level

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a figurative level" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate that something is being expressed in a more abstract manner. For example, you could say: "On a figurative level, my experience has been like climbing a mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even on a figurative level, I failed to find poetry in that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It centers on a figurative sculpture sitting motionless beside a window in a modernist room.

The New York Times

"Maybe her husband had her on a figurative leash and required that she check in," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

To illustrate how the model can be executed, a case study is conducted on a figurative liquefied natural gas treating plant.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

He or she is really on a figurative Lazy Susan, for all of your Aunts and Uncles to see.

Huffington Post

Many neuroimaging studies have explored the self-face-specific response of the brain using noncontingent images (i.e., pictures or recorded videos) and have thus addressed self-face recognition based solely on a figurative cue.

Cerebral Cortex

Though their individual poetic style and tone are completely different, together they build a perfect and true sonnet with both literal and figurative levels of meaning.

The Guardian

Many critics consider abstract work in general on a loftier level than anything figurative, whether on canvas or on a pedestal.

Huffington Post

Although cancer cells do not act "on purpose," we present a figurative writing style to stress the dynamic nature of cancer cell adaptation.

BioMed Research International

On a spiritual level, a little.

The New York Times - Arts

But on a personal level.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a figurative level" to introduce abstract or metaphorical interpretations of a concept or situation to add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on a figurative level" when a literal or straightforward explanation is more appropriate. Ensure the context warrants a metaphorical interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a figurative level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that the interpretation is not literal but metaphorical or symbolic. As Ludwig AI explains, it introduces an abstract meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a figurative level" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that helps to convey a non-literal or metaphorical meaning. Although it's not a particularly frequent expression, it serves an important function in adding depth and nuance to writing across various fields like news, science, and lifestyle. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its function to express something in a more abstract manner. When using "on a figurative level", ensure it's replacing a more straightforward explanation and that a metaphorical interpretation is what's needed to get the writer's point across effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

metaphorically speaking

Highlights the metaphorical aspect directly.

in a metaphorical sense

Emphasizes the metaphorical interpretation of something.

in an abstract sense

Focuses on the abstract interpretation, moving away from concrete details.

symbolically speaking

Highlights the symbolic representation of something.

in a non-literal sense

Directly contrasts with a literal interpretation.

as a metaphor

A more concise way to indicate metaphorical interpretation.

in a representative manner

Focuses on the representative aspect, often implying symbolism.

conceptually speaking

Emphasizes the conceptual understanding rather than the concrete reality.

allegorically speaking

Highlights the allegorical interpretation, where elements represent deeper meanings.

in a hyperbolic sense

Specifies that something is exaggerated for effect.

FAQs

How can I use "on a figurative level" in a sentence?

You can use "on a figurative level" to introduce a metaphorical interpretation, such as: "On a figurative level, the company's financial struggles represented a deep-seated systemic problem."

What does "on a figurative level" mean?

It means interpreting something in an abstract or metaphorical sense, rather than literally. It suggests a symbolic or representative understanding.

What can I say instead of "on a figurative level"?

You can use alternatives like "metaphorically speaking", "in a metaphorical sense", or "in an abstract sense" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "on a figurative level" or "metaphorically speaking"?

Both phrases are correct, but "on a figurative level" may be more suitable when you want to emphasize the depth or complexity of the metaphorical interpretation, while "metaphorically speaking" is more direct.