an appropriate benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate benchmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a standard or point of reference that is suitable for comparison or evaluation in a specific context. Example: "To assess the effectiveness of our new marketing strategy, we need to establish an appropriate benchmark against which we can measure our results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors is already examining what an appropriate benchmark might be.

The Guardian

Labour said the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) "is already examining what an appropriate benchmark might be".

The Guardian - Money

A stock's weight in the Dow depends on its price, which makes the Dow an appropriate benchmark only if you are likelier to buy expensive stocks.

The New York Times

But it is an appropriate benchmark only if the manager focuses only on the few growth stocks -- mostly Internet issues -- that dominate the index.

The New York Times

To determine what his bonus should be, the compensation committee was advised by outside consultants that an appropriate benchmark would be what chief executives at big financial services companies, including Wall Street brokerage firms, were getting paid.

The New York Times

Much of the FCA's year-long review was into the wider asset management industry which it found left investors unclear about the objectives of funds, and performance which was not always measured against an appropriate benchmark.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If these are long-term investments of at least three years, then wouldn't a more appropriate benchmark be a treasury with a duration of at least three years?

Forbes

Many have suggested a closer look at real-world inferential practices in the sciences as a more appropriate benchmark for assessment.

SEP

Since Ukraine less actively participates in electricity trade (about 4%% is exported according to NERC [2009]) with other countries compared to other types of energy, long-term production cost is a more appropriate benchmark for estimation of subsidies than the export border price.

Journal of Economic Structures

First, Piketty suggests that in order to study the historical trend of inequality in advanced Western economies, France instead of Britain or the United States, is a more appropriate benchmark country.

Huffington Post

A total yearly return of -5% in which the relevant benchmark was down 8% actually showed a much better performance by the manager than a 5% return in a year where the appropriate benchmark returned 7%.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an appropriate benchmark", ensure the benchmark is genuinely relevant and applicable to the situation being evaluated. Avoid selecting benchmarks that are convenient but not truly representative.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a benchmark suitable for one context will automatically be appropriate for another. Always verify that the benchmark aligns with the specific characteristics of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate benchmark" functions as a noun phrase, where "appropriate" modifies the noun "benchmark". As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase describes a standard used for evaluation or comparison. The examples provided by Ludwig support this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appropriate benchmark" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase referring to a suitable standard for evaluation or comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. While alternatives like "a suitable standard" or "a relevant comparison metric" exist, the key is to ensure the selected benchmark is genuinely relevant to the situation being evaluated. Avoiding overgeneralization and verifying its alignment with specific characteristics are crucial for its effective application. The phrase's function is to provide a context for assessment, maintaining a neutral to formal register appropriate for professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable standard

Replaces "benchmark" with "standard", indicating a level of quality or attainment.

a fitting point of reference

Substitutes "benchmark" with "point of reference", emphasizing its role as a reference point.

a relevant comparison metric

Uses "comparison metric" instead of "benchmark", highlighting its function in measuring performance.

a valid measure

Focuses on the "measure" aspect of a benchmark, suggesting it's a way to assess something.

a proper gauge

Replaces "benchmark" with "gauge", implying a tool for measuring or assessing.

a fair yardstick

Uses the metaphor of a "yardstick" for measurement, suggesting impartiality.

a reliable baseline

Emphasizes the reliability of the "baseline" as a point of comparison.

a representative example

Presents the benchmark as a "representative example", suitable for comparison.

an accepted criterion

Highlights the "criterion" aspect, suggesting it's a rule or principle for evaluation.

a reasonable indicator

Focuses on the "indicator" function, suggesting it points to a particular condition or result.

FAQs

How to use "an appropriate benchmark" in a sentence?

You can use "an appropriate benchmark" to describe a standard for comparison, such as, "The S&P 500 is "an appropriate benchmark" for large-cap US equity performance".

What can I say instead of "an appropriate benchmark"?

You can use alternatives like "a suitable standard", "a relevant comparison metric", or "a valid measure" depending on the context.

What makes a benchmark "appropriate"?

A benchmark is considered "appropriate" when it accurately reflects the characteristics and goals of what is being measured, providing a relevant and meaningful point of comparison.

Which is correct, "an appropriate benchmark" or "a suitable benchmark"?

Both ""an appropriate benchmark"" and "a suitable benchmark" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.