benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "benchmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to measuring performance, standards, or comparisons in various fields such as business, education, and technology. Example: "We need to establish a benchmark to evaluate the effectiveness of our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Helen Szoke, chief executive of Oxfam Australia, said her organisation "would have put the reduction of poverty as the first benchmark" in the revamped aid program and was "cautious" about the role of the private sector.

The Guardian

At the same time, yields on benchmark 10-year German government bonds, or bunds, fell to a record low of 0.05%, reflecting their perceived safe-haven status among investors.

The Guardian

Libor is used as a benchmark for setting financial contracts and interest rates around the world.

The Guardian - Business

With its severe and growing problems with traffic jams, Mumbai certainly sets an international benchmark for what the Economist has labelled "traffic bedlam".

The Guardian

Kensington and Chelsea topped the state school national league table, with 73% of its pupils passing the government's benchmark.

The Guardian

Angel Gurria, the head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said that the proposals on emissions so far set out by governments would not be sufficient to protect the world from warming of more than 2C above pre-industrial levels, the internationally-set benchmark for avoiding dangerous levels of climate change.

The Guardian

Once the 25% benchmark is passed, she advocates leaving companies "to their own devices" to pursue gender-equality strategies, rather than a further round of target setting from a government-backed champion.

The Guardian - Business

The BBC is still the great benchmark of broadcasting and woe betide anybody who interferes with the BBC".

The Guardian

"Much of the good news that had relieved market stress over lifting the debt ceiling was baked into a violent rally in the prior session lifting the benchmark S&P 500 index to within spitting distance of another all-time high" on Wednesday, said Andrew Wilkinson, chief economic strategist at Miller Tabak & Co in New York.

The Guardian

The People's Bank of China lowered its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 5.1%, and its one-year benchmark deposit rates by the same amount to 2.25%.

The Guardian - Business

Every subject has a subject benchmark statement identifying what UK academics believe should at a minimum be covered in university courses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "benchmark", clearly define what you are measuring and the criteria for evaluation to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "benchmark" as a vague term. Specify the context and what is being used as a "benchmark". For example, instead of saying "Our sales need to reach the benchmark", specify "Our sales need to reach the industry benchmark for Q3".

Linguistic Context

The word "benchmark" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it signifies a standard for evaluation; as a verb, it means to measure performance against a standard. Ludwig AI indicates this word is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "benchmark" functions as both a noun and a verb, commonly denoting a standard for evaluation or the act of measuring against a standard. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various fields. It's frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "benchmark", ensure clarity by defining the measurement criteria. Alternative phrases include "standard", "criterion", and "point of reference". To avoid misuse, specify what is being used as a standard for comparison. Remember that a "benchmark" provides the point of reference that allows consistent evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard

Focuses on the level of quality or achievement considered acceptable or desirable.

criterion

Emphasizes a principle or standard by which something is judged or decided.

yardstick

Offers an alternative way to refer to measure to compare with others.

point of reference

Highlights something used to guide or understand something else.

gauge

Refers to an instrument to make measurements.

touchstone

Highlights the test of genuineness or quality.

measuring stick

Emphasizes the act of measurement and comparison.

model

Indicates something or someone is the best of its kind.

example

Indicates something serve as a pattern of behavior.

gold standard

Suggests the best or most reliable example.

FAQs

How is "benchmark" used in performance evaluation?

In performance evaluation, "benchmark" refers to a standard or point of reference against which performance is measured. This helps in assessing how well an individual, team, or organization is performing relative to expectations or industry standards.

What is the difference between a "benchmark" and a goal?

A "benchmark" is a standard for comparison, often based on external data or best practices. A goal is a target that an individual or organization sets to achieve, which may or may not be based on external standards. A "goal" represents the desired outcome, while the "benchmark" is the point of reference.

What are some alternatives to using the word "benchmark"?

You can use alternatives like "standard", "criterion", or "point of reference" depending on the context. These alternatives provide similar meanings and can help diversify your writing.

In finance, what does "benchmark" refer to?

In finance, a "benchmark" typically refers to an index or a specific investment that is used as a standard to measure the performance of a portfolio or investment strategy. Examples include the S&P 500 or the FTSE 100. Using a "benchmark" helps investors assess whether their investments are outperforming or underperforming the market.