at scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at scale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about applying a principle over a large area. For example: "This critical infrastructure project will need to be implemented at scale in order to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're proven — though not at scale.

The New York Times

Meaningful change, at scale, takes time.

The New Yorker

Again, no alternatives yet exist at scale.

The Guardian

"The breakthrough is doing this at scale.

The New York Times

Africa needs education at scale to start closing the gaps".

The Guardian

"It's possible that the model is unaffordable at scale.

The Guardian

We believe our model supports profitability at scale," it claims.

The Guardian - Tech

We must now begin to do this at scale.

The Guardian

Despite its attempts at scale, Ben Hur Live ends up feeling small.

The Guardian

And you have to look at scale.

Forbes

Developing Products At Scale.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "on a large scale" or "extensively applied" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "at scale" when referring to small or localized efforts. The phrase implies a significant degree of expansion or widespread application; using it inappropriately dilutes its impact and can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at scale" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the extent or scope of an action or process. It denotes that something is being done or applied extensively or broadly. As shown in the Ludwig examples, the phrase is often used to describe business implementations or scientific advancements that are implemented on a large scale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term that indicates something is being implemented or considered on a large, broad, or extensive level. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used when discussing the application of a principle across a significant area. It is considered appropriate for formal writing, especially in business, science, and technology. Common contexts include News & Media, Scientific and Business communication, with the primary communicative purpose being to emphasize the magnitude and reach of an action or process. When using the phrase, it is important to clearly define the scope of what is being scaled to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "on a large scale" or "widely implemented" can be considered based on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a large scale

Focuses on the size or extent of the operation.

on a grand scale

Emphasizes the impressive or ambitious nature of the scale.

widely implemented

Highlights the broad adoption or application of something.

extensively applied

Similar to widely implemented but can emphasize the thoroughness of application.

across the board

Suggests that something applies to all elements or aspects.

systematically

Highlights the methodical and organized nature of the large scale effort.

in a widespread manner

Emphasizes how broadly something is distributed or prevalent.

comprehensively

Indicates a complete and thorough approach to something on a large scale.

massively

Focuses on the sheer size or intensity of something.

in bulk

More oriented toward the volume of physical items/things.

FAQs

How can I use "at scale" in a sentence?

The phrase "at scale" typically describes implementing a solution or process widely. For example, "The company plans to implement its sustainability initiatives "at scale" across all global operations."

What's the difference between "at scale" and "on a large scale"?

"At scale" often implies that something has been proven effective in a smaller setting and is now being expanded. "On a large scale" simply refers to the size of the operation without necessarily implying prior testing or success.

What are some synonyms for "at scale"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "widely implemented", "extensively applied", or "on a grand scale". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "at scale" in formal writing?

Yes, "at scale" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business, scientific, and technical contexts. It is a clear and concise way to indicate a broad or widespread implementation.