a template against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a template against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a standard or model that serves as a basis for comparison or evaluation, often in a critical context. Example: "The report serves as a template against which we can measure the effectiveness of our current strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Absolutely unintentionally on the dramatist's part, of course – but it suggests a template against which to savour the scabrous deviant clarity of Pinter's dialogue can be measured in its comic deadliness.

Independent

The survival value of such a model lies in the fact that it functions as a template against which to match new experiences, so as to rapidly identify anything anomalous that might be life-threatening.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The interaction between trust and information in personal relationships is explored to serve as a template against which to consider whether the information needs of inter-organisational relationships are similar.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

Stress Gym used design elements that may serve as a model for future websites to emulate and improve upon, and as a template against which to compare and contrast the design and functionality of future online, health-intervention websites.

Nursing Outlook

To validate the marker order of SNP and microsatellite maps, the zebra finch genome sequence assembly was used as a template against which all linkage maps were evaluated.

BMC Genomics

Regarding the second possibility, it has been proposed that medial rostral PFC is involved in generating a template against which to match observed information in the environment.

Cerebral Cortex

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Gypsy ethos acts as a ragged template against which the rest of the world is measured.

The Guardian - Books

Functional analyses of HD-Zip III genes in herbaceous plants, including A. thaliana and Z. elegans, have provided a useful template against which similar functions regulating secondary vascular growth can be investigated in woody plants (shrubs, trees) [ 20].

BMC Plant Biology

But rather than continue working with nature as a template, subsequent generations fought against the city's environment.

The New York Times

Pecked or dashed lines were drawn full and then scratched away with a scalpel against a template held along the line, for uniformity.

The Economist

In speaking to the council about Canada's intent in pressing for efficient sanctions in Angola, Mr. Axworthy said that "if successful, these measures could serve as a template for focused action against belligerents in other conflict situations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a template against", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared or evaluated against the template. For instance, specify what qualities or characteristics are being measured.

Common error

Avoid using "a template against" in contexts where a simple comparison or assessment would suffice. The phrase implies a structured evaluation against a defined model, so ensure that your context reflects this level of scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a template against" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a standard or model used for comparison or evaluation. Ludwig indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and often employed in contexts requiring precise assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a template against" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a standard model used for comparison and evaluation. Ludwig identifies its use in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. While uncommon, it's valuable when clarity calls for comparing information against a given benchmark. To avoid overuse or misapplication, ensure your setting involves structured evaluation against a distinct reference point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standard for comparison

Focuses on the act of comparing something to a defined standard, shifting the emphasis from a potential opposition to a neutral comparison.

a benchmark for evaluation

Highlights the use of a standard for assessing value or performance, rather than comparison or opposition.

a model for assessment

Emphasizes the use of a model, typically simplified, for evaluating something, instead of a potentially adversarial role.

a framework for comparison

Suggests a structured set of guidelines used for comparing things, which is less direct than a template.

a basis for comparison

Highlights the foundational role in evaluating similarities and differences, altering emphasis of template-based action.

a point of reference

Indicates something to refer back to, especially for verification, which softens the potential oppositional role of a template.

a measure for assessment

Highlights the role of measuring as an evaluation tool, instead of a template-based comparison.

a yardstick for measuring

Uses the analogy of a yardstick to imply a means of evaluation, with a more direct method instead of template comparison.

an archetype to contrast

Focuses on contrasting with an original model, changing template nature to contrast.

a touchstone for evaluation

Emphasizes testing the quality or genuineness of something, changing the template context towards quality measurement.

FAQs

How can I use "a template against" in a sentence?

You can use "a template against" to describe something being measured or evaluated in comparison to a standard model. For example, "The study used the original design as "a template against" which to assess the new prototype's performance".

What does "a template against" mean?

The phrase "a template against" suggests using a standard or model to evaluate something, often to highlight differences or shortcomings. It implies a structured comparison rather than a simple assessment.

Which is more appropriate: "a template against" or "a template for"?

"A template against" implies using a standard to evaluate something, often critically, whereas "a template for" indicates a model to be followed or emulated. The choice depends on whether you are comparing/contrasting or providing a guide.

What are some alternatives to "a template against"?

Alternatives include "a benchmark for", "a standard for comparison", or "a model for assessment", each carrying slightly different connotations of evaluation and comparison.