a baseline expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a baseline expectation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to refer to a minimum or starting point of expectations. For example, "We have a baseline expectation that all employees will arrive to work on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Enthusiastic consent should be a baseline expectation, not an aspiration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, starting a run on time should be a baseline expectation for a passenger railroad, he said.

The New York Times

Schools will be measured on their progress towards annual goals, with a baseline expectation of 67% or higher.

Columbia University

A baseline expectation has to be to behave like a compassionate adult, accepting that your relationship choices have led to you inheriting a degree of responsibility for a life whose existence in yours wasn't directly chosen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These predictions can be leveraged to generate a baseline expectation even for more complicated structures where the assumptions underlying the one-dimensional free energy landscape may no longer be satisfied.

Biophysical Journal

Analysts had anticipated $87 million would be a baseline expectation, not a high-end target.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Our early experiences involved constantly perilous conditions, so we developed a certain expected baseline expectation of risk.

The New Yorker

So a home win is the baseline expectation, and anything less than three points will tax the morale around Red Bull Arena at historic rates.

The Guardian - Sport

Two user-defined prior probabilities set the baseline expectation of detecting an autozygous segment in a single cM stretch of SNP data.

BMC Genomics

With all the additional plans, Russia could even challenge America for the number three spot sometime in the latter half of the next decade, though this is more of a distant possibility rather than our baseline expectation at the moment.

Columbia University

That may be contributing to a greater sense of threat: if our baseline expectation of violence is minimal, attacks have more impact than if they are more regular.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a baseline expectation" to frame discussions about necessary skills or qualifications for a role. For instance, "A baseline expectation for this position is proficiency in data analysis" sets a clear and understandable benchmark.

Common error

Avoid using "a baseline expectation" when describing aspirational goals or stretch targets. This phrase is intended to convey a minimum standard, not an ambitious objective. For aspirational goals, consider using terms like "an ideal outcome" or "a stretch goal" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a baseline expectation" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a basic or minimum level of anticipation or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Examples show its use in setting minimum standards.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a baseline expectation" is a noun phrase used to denote a minimum or fundamental level of anticipation or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While relatively infrequent overall, it appears most commonly in news, scientific, and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly defining the minimum acceptable standard, rather than an ideal or aspirational goal. Consider using alternatives like "standard expectation" or "minimum requirement" to fine-tune your message and fit with your target context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard expectation

Emphasizes conformity to an established norm rather than a minimum acceptable level.

minimum requirement

Focuses on the lowest acceptable standard that must be met.

basic prerequisite

Highlights a necessary condition that must be fulfilled beforehand.

fundamental expectation

Underscores the essential nature of the expectation.

core expectation

Highlights that the expectation is central and indispensable.

initial expectation

Focuses on the first level of anticipation or requirement.

starting point

Indicates a point of commencement rather than an anticipation.

typical expectation

Refers to a common or usual anticipation.

default expectation

Indicates what is expected if nothing else is specified.

elementary expectation

Stresses the simplicity and fundamental nature of the expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "a baseline expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "a baseline expectation" to describe a minimum standard or requirement. For example, "A baseline expectation for this project is that all deadlines are met".

What is the difference between "a baseline expectation" and "an aspirational goal"?

"A baseline expectation" refers to a minimum acceptable standard, while "an aspirational goal" refers to a high-level objective that is desirable but not necessarily required.

Which phrase is better: "a baseline expectation" or "a fundamental requirement"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but they have slightly different connotations. "A baseline expectation" emphasizes a starting point, while "a fundamental requirement" stresses the essential nature of the requirement. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What can I say instead of "a baseline expectation"?

You can use alternatives like "standard expectation", "minimum requirement", or "basic prerequisite" depending on the context.