benchmark for success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "benchmark for success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing standards or criteria that define what success looks like in a particular context or project. Example: "We need to establish a clear benchmark for success to measure the effectiveness of our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The programme's architects have set themselves a benchmark for success.

The Guardian

"That's the benchmark for success in a nature magazine".

The New York Times

"Yamaha makes beautiful instruments, but the benchmark for success is uniformity".

The New Yorker

The Green episode, however, saddled all subsequent M&S chief executives and chairmen with a benchmark for success.

The Guardian - Business

Sherman has somewhat boxed herself in with her last Senate appearance, making the benchmark for success in the first Geneva round an Iranian plan for "concrete, substantive actions".

The Guardian

The Party has made rising standards of living its benchmark for success, so a bad environment and attendant health problems damage its credibility.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Abbott was also asked to outline the benchmarks for success.

The Guardian

He had a list of goals and benchmarks for success.

The New York Times - Books

Morrison signalled that future funding arrangements could have benchmarks for success built in.

The Guardian

I would suggest a trial period and include benchmarks for success.

The New York Times

While on paper the benchmarks for success such as TV ratings and dominance of the sporting conversation are positive, huge challenges lie ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a "benchmark for success", ensure it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This provides clarity and allows for effective evaluation of progress.

Common error

Avoid setting a "benchmark for success" that is too broad or subjective. For example, instead of saying "increase customer satisfaction", specify "achieve a customer satisfaction score of 90% or higher based on post-service surveys".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "benchmark for success" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It defines what constitutes a positive outcome or desired level of achievement in a particular context. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "benchmark for success" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that defines the criteria by which achievement is measured. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent across various domains, including news, science, and business. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to establish clear and measurable benchmarks, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives like ""standard for success"" and "criterion for success" offer similar meanings. This guide provides insights into its proper usage, common errors to avoid, and semantically related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard for success

Focuses on the level of quality or attainment needed for a positive outcome.

criterion for success

Emphasizes a specific principle or quality by which success is judged.

measure of success

Highlights the quantifiable or qualitative assessment used to determine a positive outcome.

yardstick for success

Uses a metaphor of a measuring tool to represent a standard.

key to success

Focuses on the essential element that unlocks a positive outcome.

formula for success

Implies a structured method or set of steps leading to a positive outcome.

recipe for success

Similar to "formula", but suggests a blend of ingredients or actions.

blueprint for success

Emphasizes a detailed plan or design that ensures a positive outcome.

gold standard

Indicates the highest level of achievement or quality.

success metric

Focuses on quantifiable data points to measure a positive outcome.

FAQs

How do you define a "benchmark for success"?

A "benchmark for success" is a clearly defined standard or set of criteria used to measure whether a goal or project has been achieved successfully. It provides a target or reference point against which progress can be evaluated.

What's a good "standard for success"?

A good "standard for success" should be realistic, measurable, and aligned with the overall objectives. It should also be communicated clearly to all stakeholders involved.

How can I use "benchmark for success" in a sentence?

You can use "benchmark for success" in a sentence like this: "The company set a revenue target of $1 million as the "standard for success" for the new product launch."

What is the difference between "benchmark for success" and "goal"?

While a "goal" is a desired outcome, a "benchmark for success" is the specific metric or standard used to determine whether that goal has been met. The benchmark provides a concrete measure of achievement.