We mistakenly use “at the level of” as a catch-all expression to say “with regard to” something. This job is criticized.
The equivalents to replace this expression are numerous: about, about, in the domain of, From the point of view of, regarding To, in terms of, as for, in terms ofetc.
Often, one can also simply use prepositions like at (at), at the house of, In, by Or Forwhich will lighten the sentence.
He underwent heart surgery (and not at the level of the heart). This question will be studied by the committee. (not at committee level). For the employees, this announcement is catastrophic. Among the employees, the reaction was quick. Changes are to be feared with regard to the schedule (and not at the level of the schedule).
New public health measures will be put in place. The situation still leaves something to be desired with regard to hospitalizations. In this area, the news is encouraging. Russia has shown weaknesses with regard to the organization of the command.
The Expression at the level of is used well to say that something is “up to”, literally and figuratively. The computer screen should be at eye level. These appointments are decided at the level of the highest authorities. This decision must be taken at the level of the army chiefs.
But we could also very well write, for simplicity: This decision must be taken by the leaders of the army.
The expression “in the plan of” is widespread, but it is the construction in terms of that should be used. Economic success involves certain risks. Logically, this reasoning is valid.
Addicted And depending
My question concerns the use of words addicted And depending. We hear them a lot in the sense of according. Is it correct ?
Answer
The prepositional phrase depending onstill commonly used in Quebec, is considered familiar (but not regardlessCuriously). It would therefore be avoided in a press article, which must be in standard language – with the exception of chronicles, which can use all language registers –, in favor of it according, following Or in terms of.
The case of expression depends on (Or depending if) is a bit different. It is an impropriety in this sense, a copy of the English depending on And depending on whether. We wouldn’t use it at all. It would be replaced, depending on the context, by according, whether, following, in terms of Or according to. Depending on the weather, if the weather is nice…