a standard by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a standard by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a criterion or benchmark for evaluating something. Example: "The committee established a standard by which all applicants would be judged fairly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a standard by which other teams can measure themselves".

The New York Times - Sports

The Cornwall volume might, in fact, be a standard by which to measure these town books.

The New York Times

It sets a standard by which forthcoming proposals for lower Manhattan will be judged.

The New York Times - Arts

I find it hard to imagine a standard by which Jarrell's poetry might be considered confessional.

The New York Times - Books

Goff's census has remained a standard by which incunabula in American collections are judged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Offering free legal information resources of first resort is a standard by which we measure our success.

Cornell University

"You have set a standard by which I shall judge all juries of the future," he said.

The Guardian

The public lavatory at Kuala Perlis set a standard by which I have since judged all lavatories.

The Guardian - Travel

His program, outlined in a speech deliveredto Parliament set a standard by which all other programs, have since been judged.

The New Yorker

They have to see there is a standard by which they might be able to do something.

The Guardian

As The Chicago Tribune wrote in 1998, his playing "represents a standard by which other tenor saxophonists must be judged".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a standard by which", ensure the context clearly defines what is being evaluated and why the standard is relevant. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a standard by which" when the standard itself is poorly defined or not universally accepted. This can lead to subjective interpretations and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a standard by which" functions as a relative clause introducing a criterion or benchmark used for evaluation or comparison. It connects a noun (the standard) to a relative clause explaining its purpose. Examples on Ludwig show it is often followed by verbs such as "measure", "judge", or "assess".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a standard by which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a criterion for evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "a benchmark for" or "a criterion for" exist, "a standard by which" offers a formal and precise way to establish evaluation metrics. To use it effectively, ensure that the standard is clearly defined and universally understood to avoid ambiguity in your writing. It's a common and authoritative phrase, suitable for various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a benchmark for

This is a more concise alternative, replacing the relative clause "by which" with a simple preposition.

a yardstick for

Replaces "standard" with "yardstick", offering a more visual metaphor for measurement.

a criterion for

Substitutes "standard" with "criterion", which emphasizes a rule or principle used for judgment.

a measure of

Focuses on the act of measuring rather than setting a standard, slightly shifting the emphasis.

a gauge for

Uses "gauge" as a synonym for standard, implying a tool for assessment.

a point of reference for

Shifts the focus to a point used for comparison, which has a slightly different connotation.

a touchstone for

Replaces "standard" with "touchstone", suggesting a test of genuineness or quality.

a metric to evaluate

More explicitly states the purpose of evaluation, adding clarity but also length.

a basis for comparison

Highlights the act of comparing, rather than the existence of a standard.

a guideline for assessing

Suggests a more flexible approach than a rigid standard, implying a guide rather than a fixed rule.

FAQs

How can I use "a standard by which" in a sentence?

Use "a standard by which" to introduce a measurable criterion or benchmark against which something is evaluated. For example, "Customer satisfaction is "a standard by which" we measure our success."

What are some alternatives to "a standard by which"?

Alternatives include "a benchmark for", "a criterion for", or "a yardstick for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "standard by which" or "standard with which"?

"Standard by which" is the correct and more common usage. "Standard with which" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "a standard by which" and "a method by which"?

"A standard by which" refers to a specific level of quality or achievement used for evaluation. "A method by which" refers to a process or technique used to accomplish something. For example, peer review is "a method by which" scientific papers are evaluated, while rigorous methodology serves as "a standard by which" studies are judged.