on the level

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the level" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something is honest, frank, or genuine. For example, you could say "I'm being completely honest and on the level with you".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Rule: "Nothing is on the level").

The New Yorker

It's not on the level.

The Guardian

"It depends on the level of involvement".

The New York Times

The third is on the level".

The Guardian - Sport

"It depends on the level of risk.

The Guardian - Money

"It's more on the level of emotion".

The Guardian

How's it doing on the level thing?

The New York Times

Few running backs are playing on the level he is.

The New York Times - Sports

They were operating on the level of symbols.

The New Yorker

arbitration panel on the level and scope of the sanctions.

The New York Times

Clapper says is depends on the "level of detail".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the level" to assure someone of your sincerity or the integrity of a situation. It adds a touch of colloquial authenticity to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "on the level" in highly formal or technical contexts where a more sophisticated or precise term might be expected. While widely understood, it carries a slightly informal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the level" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of honesty or genuineness. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes someone or something that is truthful and sincere.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academic sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the level" is a phrase that means honest, sincere, and trustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it might not be the best choice for highly formal writing, where alternatives like "transparent" or "genuine" might be more suitable. Remember to use "on the level" when you want to assure someone of your sincerity or the integrity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honest

A direct synonym emphasizing truthfulness and integrity.

above board

Emphasizes transparency and adherence to rules, suggesting openness and lack of deception.

on the up and up

Implies that someone or something is improving or becoming more honest after a period of dishonesty.

on the square

Similar to "above board", focusing on fairness and just dealing.

legitimate

Highlights the legality and conformity to established standards.

trustworthy

Emphasizes reliability and deserving of confidence.

genuine

Stresses the authenticity and lack of pretense.

sincere

Focuses on the genuineness of feelings and intentions.

authentic

Similar to "genuine", but may also refer to something that is original and not a copy.

bona fide

A more formal way of saying "genuine" or "authentic".

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on the level"?

Being "on the level" means being honest, sincere, and trustworthy. It implies that someone is genuine and not trying to deceive you.

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

You can use "on the level" to describe a person's character (e.g., "He's completely on the level, you can trust him") or to assure someone of the truthfulness of a situation (e.g., "I'm being on the level with you about this deal").

What are some synonyms for "on the level"?

Alternatives to "on the level" include "above board", "on the up and up", "honest", and "genuine". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it appropriate to use "on the level" in formal writing?

While "on the level" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "transparent", "bona fide", or "legitimate".