a low bar

USAGE SUMMARY

"a low bar" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used in a figurative sense to mean a minimum or low standard that must be met. Example: "The company's hiring practices have raised concerns as they seem to have a very low bar for employee qualifications." In this sentence, the phrase "a low bar" is used to describe the standard or level of qualifications that the company is looking for in their employees. It implies that the company's standards are not very high and they are willing to accept candidates with minimal qualifications.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(True, it's a low bar).

The New York Times - Science

Seems like a low bar.

The New York Times

It was a low bar.

The New York Times - Sports

(Yes, it's a low bar).

The New York Times

(It's a low bar).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Still, those numbers set a low bar.

The New York Times - Sports

"A low bar has been set.

The New York Times

But that's a low bar for praise.

The New Yorker

That is a low bar by European standards.

The Economist

It helps that she has a low bar for comfort.

The New York Times

That's a low bar, but credit where credit is due.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a low bar" when you want to express that the standard of comparison is easily surpassed or not particularly challenging. It is often used to imply that something is not very impressive.

Common error

Avoid using "a low bar" when you intend to convey that a standard is unattainable or excessively challenging. This phrase implies the opposite: something easily achievable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low bar" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It indicates a standard or expectation that is easily met, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where it often modifies a verb like 'set' or 'is'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a low bar" is a commonly used phrase that indicates an easily achievable standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying that a standard is easily surpassed, and be mindful of the potential negative implications, suggesting a lack of ambition. Alternatives like "minimal requirement" or "basic expectation" can offer a more neutral tone. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "a low bar" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal requirement

Focuses on the absolute minimum needed, instead of implying a deliberately low standard.

basic expectation

Highlights the fundamental level of anticipation, moving away from a negative connotation.

easy standard

Emphasizes the simplicity of achieving the standard, rather than its lowness.

modest goal

Shifts the focus to the humility of the objective, not the difficulty of attainment.

lax criteria

Highlights that criteria are not strict.

undemanding benchmark

Focuses on not requiring much effort.

simple accomplishment

It is something easy to perform.

low threshold

It emphasizes the barrier that should be cleared.

floor standard

It's the lowest acceptable level of performance.

base level

Highlights that it is the common foundation for growth.

FAQs

How can I use "a low bar" in a sentence?

You can use "a low bar" to indicate that a standard or expectation is easily met or not particularly challenging. For example: "The team's recent performance has set "a low bar" for improvement."

What does it mean to say something sets "a low bar"?

Saying something sets "a low bar" means it establishes a standard that is easily achievable or unimpressive. It often implies a lack of ambition or high expectations.

What are some alternatives to "a low bar"?

Some alternatives to "a low bar" include phrases like "minimal requirement", "basic expectation", or "easy standard" depending on the context.

Is it better to set "a low bar" or a high one?

Setting "a low bar" might make success easier to achieve initially, but it can also limit potential growth and excellence. Setting a higher bar encourages greater effort and can lead to more significant accomplishments.