a standard measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a standard measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a commonly accepted or established way of quantifying or assessing something. Example: "In our industry, a standard measure of success is the customer satisfaction score."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a standard measure used across the world.

The Guardian - Business

The test is a standard measure of what researchers call implicit learning: knowledge gained without awareness.

The New York Times - Health

Over the last year, sales in stores open a year, a standard measure, were flat.

The New York Times

Floating-point operations — or flops, as they are called — are a standard measure of speed.

The New Yorker

The franchise also reflects how wealth has become such a standard measure of value.

The New York Times

A day isn't just a standard measure, all the same size so each fits on a calendar page.

The New York Times

Mr. Culhane said the government needed a standard measure and counted only people living in shelters or on the street.

The New York Times

Just last season he posted the best earned-run average, a standard measure of pitching effectiveness, of his career.

The Economist

The Gini Index is a standard measure of inequality, in which higher values represent more unequal distributions of money income.

The New York Times

Deutsche Bank will now aim for an aftertax return of 12 percent on equity, a standard measure of bank performance.

The New York Times

Ebitda is shorthand for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and is a standard measure of operating profitability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a standard measure", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured and why that particular measure is considered standard. For example, specify if it's "a standard measure of inflation" or "a standard measure of academic performance".

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the "standard measure" without providing context. Even if it seems obvious, briefly clarify its relevance to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a standard measure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or appositive. According to Ludwig, the examples show it's used to identify something as a generally accepted way of evaluating a specific aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a standard measure" is a common phrase used to denote a widely accepted method of assessment, frequently seen in scientific, news, and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is being measured to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a conventional metric" or "a common benchmark" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using this phrase effectively enhances clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recognized standard

Simplifies the original phrase by removing "measure", keeping the core meaning of an accepted standard.

a conventional metric

Replaces "measure" with "metric", emphasizing the quantitative aspect and common acceptance.

a typical yardstick

Substitutes "measure" with "yardstick", which implies a tool for comparison against a norm.

a common benchmark

Replaces "standard measure" with "common benchmark", focusing on its role as a point of reference.

a widely accepted criterion

Uses "criterion" instead of "measure", highlighting its function as a basis for judgment.

a baseline metric

Replaces "standard" with "baseline", indicating a starting point for comparison.

an established norm

Replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the concept of a widely recognized standard.

a universal gauge

Substitutes "measure" with "gauge", implying a tool for precise assessment on a broad scale.

a consistent indicator

Replaces "measure" with "indicator", highlighting its role as a sign or signal.

a prevailing method of assessment

Expands on the concept to specify it as a method of assessment, making it more descriptive.

FAQs

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

"A standard measure" is used to refer to a commonly accepted or established method of assessment or quantification. For example, "The unemployment rate is "a standard measure" of economic health".

What's the difference between "a standard measure" and "a common metric"?

While both phrases are similar, ""a standard measure"" implies a widely accepted method, whereas "a common metric" emphasizes a quantitative scale or system of measurement that is frequently used.

What are some alternatives to using "a standard measure" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "a conventional metric", "a typical yardstick", or "a common benchmark" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "standard measure" is measuring?

While not always mandatory, specifying the context improves clarity. For instance, instead of saying "This is "a standard measure"", it's better to say "This is "a standard measure" of performance" for better understanding.