be used as a yardstick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used as a yardstick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a standard or measure against which something is evaluated or compared. Example: "The success of the project will be used as a yardstick for future initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The CGDI can also be used as a yardstick for assessing performances on clinical governance over time as well as between organisations which can be useful as a stimulant for improvement.

BMC Health Services Research

But relief organizations and fund-raising experts say the generosity directed toward the victims of those disasters was aberrational and should not be used as a yardstick to measure giving for other emergencies.

The New York Times

Whether such a friendly contest can be used as a yardstick by which to measure Test candidates is doubtful but then the selectors have little else to judge by.

Independent

Applicants should know that the index is not intended to be used as a yardstick to determine whether an aspiring high school student is Ivy League material – or more to the point, someone who is going to survive the intricate admissions processes of some of the nation's most selective colleges and universities.

The New York Times

The joint tree can be used as a yardstick to evaluate different options and to select the most promising alternative.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Things are more worrying for the chancellor himself, who has made a habit of stressing repeatedly and vigorously that the AAA rating should be used as a yardstick to measure his performance.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Here are 10 questions I will be using as a yardstick.

The Guardian - Opinion

Intraoperatively the Garden alignment index was used as a yardstick of acceptable reduction.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The Victorian middle-class is used as a yardstick for evaluation.

SEP

The perceptual quality metric in (23) is used as a yardstick to compare the perceptual effects of various possible adaptations.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Development of water resources has, therefore, been used as a yardstick for socio-economic and health status of many nations worldwide (Karikari and Ansah-Asare 2006).

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "benchmark" or "standard" if you want a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "be used as a yardstick", it is the only factor in evaluation. Recognize that other variables might also play a role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used as a yardstick" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that something is being employed as a standard for comparison or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be used as a yardstick" serves to indicate that something acts as a standard for measurement or comparison. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its proper usage across various domains. Though not exceedingly common, it appears regularly in scientific, news, and formal contexts. For enhancing your writing remember to keep in mind that the scope of the "yardstick" should be limited and not be assumed as the only point of evaluation. Alternatives include "serve as a benchmark" and "act as a standard".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a benchmark

Replaces "be used as a yardstick" with a term that emphasizes the quality of being a standard of excellence.

act as a standard

Offers a more general way of saying something functions as a point of reference.

provide a reference point

Focuses on the function of offering a basis for comparison or evaluation.

establish a criterion

Highlights the act of setting up a rule or principle for assessment.

set the precedent

Emphasizes that the phrase is setting a new standard for future events.

offer a basis for comparison

Provides a broader, more descriptive alternative to establish a point of comparison.

function as a gauge

Highlights the measuring aspect of using a standard.

work as an indicator

Focuses on the phrase as providing insight or pointing toward a particular outcome or quality.

form a touchstone

Implies the phrase is a fundamental test of quality or genuineness.

become the gold standard

Emphasizes the phrase is the best or most reliable example.

FAQs

How can I use "be used as a yardstick" in a sentence?

The phrase "be used as a yardstick" indicates something is employed as a standard for comparison or evaluation. For example, "The project's success will "serve as a benchmark" for future initiatives."

What are some alternatives to "be used as a yardstick"?

Alternatives include "act as a standard", "provide a reference point", or "function as a gauge", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be used as a yardstick" or "serve as a benchmark"?

Both phrases are correct, but "serve as a benchmark" often carries a connotation of excellence or high quality, while "be used as a yardstick" is more neutral and simply implies a standard of measurement.

What does it mean for something to "become the gold standard" instead of being "used as a yardstick"?

When something "become the gold standard", it means it's recognized as the best or most reliable example. "Used as a yardstick" simply implies a method of measurement or comparison, without necessarily implying superiority. For instance, the best method might "establish a criterion" to determine what is the best method.