benchmark of sorts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "benchmark of sorts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a standard or point of reference that is not definitive but serves as a general guideline or comparison. Example: "The new software update serves as a benchmark of sorts for future improvements in user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Capturing or killing Osama bin Laden remains a benchmark of sorts for success in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

It could become a benchmark of sorts, the crowning of a Super Bowl champion that is the paragon of the modern, vagabond sports enterprise.

The New York Times - Sports

But nuclear atmospheric tests in the nineteen-fifties and sixties offer a benchmark of sorts, since levels of carbon 14 rise sharply during that period.

The New Yorker

Now 10 years old, it is reaching a financial benchmark of sorts: Many of the first tenants' leases are coming up for renewal, and not everyone is sticking around.

The New York Times

The Bushrangers, longtime and consistent contenders to the various state cricket crowns and a benchmark of sorts in the trophy-laden Greg Shipperd-era on whose heels Dean's debut hotly follows, have nevertheless proven as adept at producing home-grown Test batsmen in the past decade as they have supreme leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The Guardian - Sport

HONG KONG TASTE, a new Chinese restaurant in Westport (formerly the Beansprout), is a benchmark of sorts: it does not bear the word Sichuan or Hunan in its title, and it presents the dishes of Hong Kong with Parisian flair, in a stylish setting as sophisticated as the presentations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One benchmark of a sort was reached when the Nasdaq composite index fell below 1,300.12, the level it was at on Dec. 5, 1996, when the Federal Reserve chairman, Alan Greenspan, delivered his celebrated "irrational exuberance" speech.

The New York Times

Asked whether the Iran bill and Medicare agreement showed a new trend in Congress toward bipartisanship, Deputy White House Press Secretary Eric Schultz pointed to the stalled confirmation of attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch as a benchmark of a different sort.

Los Angeles Times

And the $31,000 benchmark sort of acts as a weird marker of success for those operating below the line: they're not even climbing the debt mountain, they're just idling in the car park desperately putting their boots on.

Vice

And the £21,000 benchmark sort of acts as a weird marker of success for those operating below the line: they're not even climbing the debt mountain, they're just idling in the car park desperately putting their boots on.

Vice

He also says that this can be done and that in fact it is done in a broad and benchmark sort of way in practice: "Prior to any notation, we make reasonably consistent judgments as to whether performances by different people are insances of the same dance" (1976, 213).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure that using "benchmark of sorts" is appropriate. Overuse could weaken your argument; opt for stronger, more specific terms when available.

Common error

Don't treat a "benchmark of sorts" as an absolute standard. Over-reliance on it can lead to skewed conclusions. Always consider other factors and data points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "benchmark of sorts" functions as a qualifier to the noun "benchmark", softening its definitiveness. It indicates that the "benchmark" is not a precise or official standard, but rather a general point of reference. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "benchmark of sorts" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a standard or reference point that is not definitive but serves as a general guideline. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, highlighting its function as a qualifier. When writing, using "benchmark of sorts" can be useful to soften the assertion of a standard, but be mindful not to over rely on it, and always consider other factors. Alternatives such as "a kind of benchmark" or "a sort of standard" can also be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind of benchmark

This alternative is more explicit in suggesting that the benchmark is not strict or official.

a sort of standard

This alternative replaces "benchmark" with "standard", emphasizing the idea of a general level of quality or achievement.

an approximate gauge

This alternative focuses on the idea of measurement but highlights its inexact nature.

a rough yardstick

This alternative uses a more figurative term ("yardstick") to suggest a basic measure for comparison.

a general guideline

This alternative emphasizes the role of the benchmark as a guide rather than a strict rule.

a relative measure

This alternative highlights that the benchmark is used for comparison, implying that it's not absolute.

a comparative reference

This alternative stresses the use of the benchmark as a point of reference for comparisons.

a suggestive indicator

This alternative focuses on the benchmark indicating something, but it's not definitive.

a possible criterion

This alternative makes clear that this is only one of potentially many criteria.

a benchmark, in a way

This alternative is a more verbose way to mention the benchmark aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "benchmark of sorts" in a sentence?

You can use "benchmark of sorts" to refer to a standard that is not definitive but provides a useful comparison. For instance, "Capturing or killing Osama bin Laden remains a "benchmark of sorts" for success in Afghanistan."

What are some alternatives to "benchmark of sorts"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a kind of benchmark", "a sort of standard", or "an approximate gauge" depending on the context.

What does "benchmark of sorts" imply?

The phrase implies that the "benchmark" is not a strict or official one, but rather a general point of reference or comparison. It suggests a degree of approximation or subjectivity.

Is "benchmark of sorts" formal or informal?

The phrase "benchmark of sorts" is suitable for a range of contexts, from neutral to professional. It's less formal than simply "benchmark" but still appropriate for many types of writing.