to level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to level" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something or someone becoming equal in terms of ability, rank, or importance. For example: "The two teams were neck and neck until the final stretch of the race, but the team captain made a powerful speech to level the playing field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Share to level up lower-levelled Pokemon.

WikiHow

"Welcome to level one.

The Guardian

Goals vary from level to level.

The New York Times - Arts

To level that charge again and again.

The New York Times

He's back to level too.

The Guardian - Sport

He's back to level par.

The Guardian - Sport

Ashe wants to level things.

The New Yorker

Corn appeared to level off.

The New York Times

This tradition is content to "level down".

The Guardian - Opinion

Then decided to level w/ Eva.

The New Yorker

But I have to level with you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to level" in the context of gaming or skill development, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being leveled, and what the target level is. For example, instead of "Try to level up quickly", specify "Try to level your character up to level 20 quickly".

Common error

Avoid using "to level" interchangeably with phrases like "to even" or "to flatten" if the context requires a more nuanced meaning. "To level" often implies a process of adjustment or progression, whereas "to even" suggests making something uniform, and "to flatten" refers to making something physically level. For instance, use "to level the playing field" when aiming for fairness, not simply "to even the playing field".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to level" serves primarily as a verb form, taking on different grammatical functions based on context. Ludwig provides examples where it acts as part of an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason for an action, or as part of a verb phrase, expressing an action to be performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to level" is a versatile infinitive phrase with multiple meanings, ranging from achieving equality to progressing in skill or status. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including news, sports, and gaming. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards informal in specific contexts like gaming. When writing, consider the specific meaning you intend to convey, as "to level" can refer to making something equal, progressing upwards, or even demolishing something. Be mindful of similar phrases and choose the one that best fits the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to equalize

Focuses specifically on making things equal.

to even out

Emphasizes creating a smooth and uniform surface or situation.

to make uniform

Highlights the process of achieving a consistent state.

to align

Implies bringing things into a state of agreement or correspondence.

to flatten

Refers to making something physically level or reducing differences.

to tear down

Implies destroying something completely, similar to "level" in the sense of demolishing.

to advance

Focuses on moving forward or progressing to the next stage or rank.

to balance

Highlights the process of achieving equilibrium or stability.

to standardize

Emphasizes conforming to a set standard or norm.

to upgrade

Focuses on improving or enhancing something to a higher level.

FAQs

How can I use "to level" in a sentence?

You can use "to level" in various contexts, such as "to level the playing field" meaning to create a fair situation, or "to level up" in gaming, referring to advancing to a higher level. In construction, it means to make a surface horizontal.

What does it mean "to level with someone"?

The expression "to level with someone" means to be honest and straightforward with them. For example, "I need "to level with you" about the situation" implies that you are about to share something truthful, even if it might be difficult to hear.

What are some alternatives "to equalize" "to level" in the context of making something equal?

In the context of making something equal, you can use alternatives like "to equalize", "to balance", or "to even out". For instance, instead of "to level the playing field", you could say "to equalize" opportunities.

In gaming, what does "to level up" mean, and what are some alternatives?

In gaming, "to level up" means to advance a character or skill to a higher level. Alternatives include "to advance", "to upgrade", or simply "to progress". These phrases all suggest improving or increasing the capabilities of a character or skill.