on some level

USAGE SUMMARY

"on some level" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea or feeling shared in a situation, often in an abstract way. For example, "We all felt overwhelmed by the task, but on some level we all felt it was necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A prisoner must on some level acknowledge his imprisonment.

The Guardian - Books

On some level, they're surrogates.

The New York Times - Arts

On some level, it's nuts.

The New York Times

Perhaps on some level.

The New York Times

On some level, sure.

The Washington Post

Clearly, on some level.

The Washington Post

Gioia, on some level, knows better.

The New Yorker

On some level, Jay-Z knows better.

The New York Times - Arts

On some level that made it harder.

The New York Times

But on some level, it was swimming.

The New York Times

But, on some level, I knew it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on some level" to acknowledge a partial truth or understanding when you don't fully agree or comprehend a situation. This shows nuanced thinking and avoids absolute statements.

Common error

Avoid using "on some level" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or unsure. Opt for more direct language when you have a clear opinion or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on some level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree to which something is true or understood. Ludwig's examples show it often qualifies feelings, understandings, or agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on some level" is a common and versatile idiom used to express partial agreement or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something is true or appreciated in a limited or specific sense. While prevalent in news, media, arts, and book contexts, it is less frequently seen in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, use "on some level" to acknowledge nuanced perspectives, but avoid overuse to maintain clarity and conviction. Remember, while grammatically sound and widely accepted, more direct language might be more effective in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a certain extent

Indicates a partial agreement or truth, focusing on the limitation of the agreement.

to some degree

Emphasizes the graduality or scale of the agreement or truth.

in a way

Suggests a particular perspective or interpretation that makes something understandable.

in some respect

Highlights a particular aspect or detail in which something is true or agreeable.

in a sense

Implies that the statement is true under a specific interpretation or understanding.

to a limited degree

Stresses that the agreement or truth is not absolute but constrained.

up to a point

Signals that the agreement or truth is valid only until a certain condition or limit is reached.

on a certain plane

Refers to an abstract level or dimension where something holds true.

partially

Indicates that only a portion of the statement is true or agreeable.

from a specific angle

Highlights the point of view or perspective used to interpret the statement.

FAQs

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

Use "on some level" to express a partial agreement or understanding. For example, "On some level, I understand your frustration, but I still disagree with your actions."

What does "on some level" mean?

"On some level" means to a certain extent or in a particular way. It suggests that something is true or understood only partially or from a specific perspective.

Which is correct, "on some level" or "at some level"?

Both "on some level" and "at some level" are grammatically correct, but "on some level" is the more common and idiomatic expression.

What can I say instead of "on some level"?

You can use alternatives like "to a certain extent", "in a way", or "to some degree" depending on the context.