a gauge that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gauge that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a measuring instrument or a means of assessing something, often followed by what is being measured or assessed. Example: "The study used a gauge that measures the participants' stress levels during the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He pointed to a gauge that had a dial on it.

The New Yorker

Characters also get a unique special attack, accessible via a gauge that powers up while fighting.

The Guardian - Tech

Meteorologists commonly use a gauge that consists of a small straight-sided cylinder within a bigger cylinder, Mr. Miner said.

The New York Times - Science

A gauge that tracks the consumer spending component of the government's gross domestic product actually fell 0.1 percent.

The New York Times

Leased vehicles will include a gauge that measures depreciation so that lessees can get the most bang for their yuan.

The New York Times

These changes, however, could be purely local, so the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds sought a gauge that would reflect nationwide changes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Length measurements were performed by means of a retractometer equipped with a dial gauge that has a sensitivity of 1 m.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

But finally, there it is: a dirty gray pipe sporting a pressure gauge that reads 40 pounds per square inch rather than zero.

The New York Times

The high-end panels also have a temperature gauge that keeps the LCD at a constant temperature regardless of the environment that it's in.

TechCrunch

The LKB1 tumor suppressor kinase is an activator of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a metabolic gauge that responds to variations of cellular energetic levels by favoring catabolic versus anabolic processes.

FEBS Letters

Located below the players hit points is a percentage gauge that determines the amount of damage done to an enemy, as well as how far the player can run.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "gauge", be specific about what it measures to enhance clarity. For example, instead of "a gauge that measures", say "a pressure gauge that measures in PSI".

Common error

Don't use "a gauge that" without specifying its purpose. Providing context prevents ambiguity and ensures your writing is precise. For example, rather than stating "the system uses a gauge that", clarify with "the system uses a fuel gauge that indicates remaining battery life".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gauge that" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about the noun "gauge". As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly introduces a subordinate clause defining the gauge's specific function or purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gauge that" is a functional phrase used to provide context and specificity to the noun "gauge". As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news, scientific and wiki contexts. To enhance clarity in writing, it is best practice to specify the purpose and measurement units of the "gauge" immediately after using the phrase. Related phrases, such as "a device which measures" or "an indicator that shows", offer similar ways to convey the purpose of a measuring instrument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a device which measures

Replaces "gauge" with a broader term "device" and uses "which measures" to clarify its function, creating a more descriptive and less technical phrasing.

an indicator that shows

Substitutes "gauge" with "indicator" and specifies its function as "shows", focusing on visual representation rather than precise measurement.

a meter that displays

Replaces "gauge" with "meter" focusing on electronic or digital display of measurement.

a sensor which detects

Replaces "gauge" with "sensor," emphasizing the detection of a specific condition or variable.

a tool for assessing

Broadens the scope from precise measurement to general "assessing," implying a more subjective evaluation.

a mechanism that monitors

Replaces "gauge" with "mechanism," focusing on the continuous tracking and oversight of a system or process.

a method to determine

Shifts the focus from a physical device to a "method," indicating a procedure or approach for finding something out.

a standard for evaluating

Replaces "gauge" with "standard," emphasizing a benchmark against which something is judged.

a system for measuring

Replaces "gauge" with "system," indicating a more complex, integrated set of components working together to measure something.

a means of quantifying

Replaces "gauge" with "means," focusing on the ability to express something numerically.

FAQs

How do I describe the function of "a gauge that" in more detail?

Be specific about what the gauge measures (e.g., pressure, temperature, voltage) and the units it displays. For example, "a pressure "gauge" that reads in pounds per square inch (PSI)".

What are some alternatives to "a gauge that" in describing measurement?

Consider using phrases like "a measuring device that", "an indicator that", or "a sensor that" depending on the specific context and function you are describing.

Is it redundant to say "a measuring gauge that"?

Yes, "measuring gauge" can be redundant since a gauge is inherently a measuring instrument. Using just ""gauge"" is usually sufficient.

How can I avoid being too vague when using "a gauge that"?

Always specify what the gauge measures or indicates immediately after the phrase. Instead of "a "gauge" that was broken", say "a fuel gauge that was broken".