on a rudimentary level

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a rudimentary level" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a basic understanding of a concept or topic. For example, you might say, "The students have a rudimentary level of understanding of the key concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many Chinese can read and write only on a rudimentary level.

The New York Times - Arts

Strong, gentle and nonthreatening, Robear can converse and interact with patients on a rudimentary level.

The New York Times

So the few comparison sites that have included PMI do so only on a rudimentary level, with the focus firmly on price.

Independent

On a rudimentary level, the sidecar is structured like this: The reinsurer creates a holding company for a single-purpose company.

Forbes

It sorted me out on a rudimentary level, while solidifying my standing as a vomit novice.

Vice

He felt animals think differently from humans, though are capable of reason on a "rudimentary level compared to a human".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Level 2 stands for a rudimentary level.

Business Research

While the coalition wanted to cut state spending back to a "rudimentary" level, he said his party must be "fair at every possible level" and based on the principle that "the broadest backs bear the heaviest burden".

BBC

We discuss early experiments in our lab and in others focused on synthetic modulation of particle structure at a rudimentary level for fundamental drug delivery studies.

Accounts of Chemical Research

In the inner-city schools, teachers typically come with a rudimentary level of knowledge and then learn how to handle a classroom on the job.

The New York Times

But a case for better electronics education at a rudimentary level remains.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's knowledge, pair "on a rudimentary level" with specific skills or subjects. This provides clarity about the extent of their understanding, for example, "He understands coding on a rudimentary level, but he can write simple programs."

Common error

Avoid using "on a rudimentary level" when the skill or knowledge is actually non-existent. Rudimentary implies some basic grasp; if there's no understanding at all, it's best to say "no knowledge" or "no experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a rudimentary level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree or extent to which something is understood or performed. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is used to describe a basic or initial understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a rudimentary level" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating a basic or initial understanding of a concept or skill. As Ludwig has demonstrated, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in several sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While frequently found in varied contents, remember that the phrase is best used when you want to point out a basic understanding. To emphasize other nuances, you can always use one of the related alternatives. Remember to avoid overstating an actual level of knowledge and to be as precise as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a basic stage

Replaces 'rudimentary level' with 'basic stage', focusing on the developmental aspect.

with a foundational understanding

Emphasizes the 'understanding' aspect using 'foundational' instead of 'rudimentary'.

at an elementary level

Uses 'elementary' as a synonym for 'rudimentary', implying simplicity.

on a superficial basis

Suggests a lack of depth, similar to a rudimentary understanding.

with limited expertise

Focuses on the 'expertise' aspect, indicating a lack thereof.

on a primary scale

Scale refers to how the topic is treated, substituting level to scale with primary to rudimentary.

in a preliminary manner

Indicates an initial or early approach, similar to a rudimentary understanding.

at a simple grade

Grade is used for level, suggesting basic level.

with initial exposure

Highlights the 'exposure' aspect, suggesting a first encounter with the subject.

with a sketchy grasp

Indicates an incomplete or vague understanding, similar to a rudimentary level of knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a rudimentary level" to describe a basic or initial understanding of a subject, for example, "I understand calculus on a rudimentary level" or "The software can perform data analysis on a rudimentary level".

What's a good alternative to "on a rudimentary level"?

Alternatives to "on a rudimentary level" include "at a basic stage", "with a foundational understanding", or "at an elementary level".

Is it better to say "basic understanding" or "rudimentary understanding"?

Both "basic understanding" and "rudimentary understanding" are correct, but "rudimentary understanding" often implies a more initial or less developed stage of understanding than "basic understanding". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "on a rudimentary level" and "on a professional level"?

"On a rudimentary level" implies a basic, undeveloped skill or knowledge, while "on a professional level" suggests a high degree of expertise and competence. One is at the beginning of the learning curve, while the other is a fully qualified expert.