a measure of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a measure of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to some kind of quantitative aspect of a situation. For example, "Record-breaking temperatures this summer have raised a measure of concern in the local meteorology community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kohout, M. A measure of electron localizability.

Nature

"It's a measure of comfort.

The New York Times

There is also a measure of anxiety.

The Economist

Albedo is a measure of reflectivity.

The New Yorker

But a measure of factory employment fell.

The New York Times

How to get a measure of this?

The Guardian - Music

There is a measure of truth here.

The New York Times

Powerhouse is a measure of engine power.

Independent

Still, they felt a measure of vulnerability.

The New York Times

Jobless claims are a measure of layoffs.

The New York Times

Sound complexity is a measure of health.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a measure of" to introduce a quantifiable aspect or assessment of a situation. It adds a nuanced perspective, indicating that something is being evaluated or gauged rather than simply stated as a fact.

Common error

Avoid using "a measure of" when simply stating a fact without any implied evaluation or assessment. Ensure that the phrase is used to introduce a quantifiable aspect or a judgment, not just a general observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a measure of" primarily functions as a determiner followed by a noun, typically an abstract noun, to indicate a quantity, degree, or extent. Ludwig provides examples showing it expressing partial existence or assessment of a quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

23%

Science

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a measure of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a degree, quantity, or assessment of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it introduces a quantifiable aspect or evaluation rather than a mere statement of fact. Alternatives include phrases like "some degree of" or "an indication of", each offering subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some degree of

Indicates a certain extent or level, emphasizing the presence of something without specifying precise quantification.

an indication of

Highlights that something serves as a sign or signal, focusing on its indicative nature rather than its quantitative value.

a level of

Refers to a specific stage or degree on a scale, emphasizing position or intensity.

a quantity of

Focuses on the amount or number of something, emphasizing its measurable aspect.

a proportion of

Indicates a relative amount or fraction compared to a whole, emphasizing its ratio.

an extent of

Emphasizes the range, scope, or degree to which something reaches or affects.

a touch of

Implies a small amount or slight presence, often used for intangible qualities or subtle effects.

a hint of

Suggests a subtle indication or trace, implying a barely perceptible presence.

a fragment of

Denotes a small or incomplete piece, focusing on its broken or partial nature.

an element of

Highlights a component or aspect that contributes to a larger whole, emphasizing its role as a constituent part.

FAQs

How can I use "a measure of" in a sentence?

Use "a measure of" to introduce an assessment or quantification of something. For example, "There is "a measure of" truth in what he said" indicates that some, but not all, of his statement is true.

What are some alternatives to using "a measure of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "some degree of", "an indication of", or "a level of" to convey similar meanings.

Is "a measure of" formal or informal?

"A measure of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in news and formal writing.

What's the difference between "a measure of" and "some"?

While both indicate quantity, ""a measure of"" implies an assessment or evaluation, whereas "some" simply denotes the existence of a certain amount or degree. For example, "He showed some courage" is less evaluative than "He showed "a measure of" courage".