digging up the ground to lay a patio with pavers. is there a easy way to make sure the ground is level? this string stuff confuses me. lol

You can always rent one of THESE.

Alternatively you can use a long piece of clear plastic tubing and a reservoir. Like THIS.

You'd put the reservoir on a stand and attach the end of the hose to a 2x at that same height. Then go around to the various places around the patio and make sure there are no high or low spots. Once you get the excavation close, you'd put down stone and compact it, then a 1" layer of sand to set the pavers. You'd screed this off level using level boards on the edges of the patio. Here is a decent tutorial on laying a paver patio. Patio

How big an area? And how deep do you think you have to go (deepest point)?

Get over it, string is a very handy way to determine straightness.

Here's lot of info on the subject , start with "How to prepare and layout the site"

You could also make a water level by attaching short pieces of clear plastic tubing to the ends of a garden hose.

If you borrow a laser level, be sure it is either self-leveling or that it is calibrated for accuracy.

15ftx8ft dug down about 4 inches. Im going to use these.
http://www.brock-international.com/residential-pavers.php

Six easy steps, now that's a big lie, LOL.

Fifty bucks?? For a water level? $10 of clear plastic tubing from hd, couple of spring clamps, food coloring and instant fifty buck water level. Ront. Even without the spring clamps , works Just fine

A 16' 2x4 with a level duct taped is what I've done.

You're also going to want to consider slope for water runoff.

"15ftx8ft".....

Another vote for a long(min 4') level taped to an 8' 2x4.
The 4" side is 3-3/4". Dig a bit deeper and your done(grin).

HTH..good luck...notnew....