by some standards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by some standards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement or judgment may vary depending on different criteria or perspectives. Example: "By some standards, this artwork is considered a masterpiece, while others may see it as controversial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even that is enviable by some standards.

The Economist

So I guess, by some standards, I'm roughing it.

The New York Times

Incorrect by some standards, but delightful in this weather.

The New York Times - Food

By some standards, she wasn't qualified for the job (limited hard-news credentials), and, by some standards, she was (smart, mature, an old hand at being on TV).

The New Yorker

NBC Sports will be Yahoo Sports' biggest partner by some standards, but not its only one.

The New York Times

And by some standards he was a classier act than Diana.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

BY SOME countries' standards, a 17m rand ($2.8m) corruption scandal is no big deal.

The Economist

And it's followed by some standard Zapruder meandering ("Look out scientists! Today the unemployment rate / is 9.4%").

The New York Times - Books

And for people to want to read them, they have to be — by some standard or other (however debased), in some way or other — good.

The New Yorker

"We were selected by some standard that we wouldn't have dared level on our usual friendships," Linda Asher, a seventy-seven-year-old interpreter, said.

The New Yorker

Your club's new signing would be announced, once upon a time in the morning's newspaper and latterly via its website or Twitter account, and accompanied by some standard images.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by some standards", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the potential alternative standards being referenced, either explicitly or implicitly.

Common error

Avoid using "by some standards" excessively without providing any indication of what those standards might be. This can make your writing seem vague or indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by some standards" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement, indicating that its validity or assessment is contingent upon specific, potentially unstated, criteria. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by some standards" is a versatile tool for introducing nuance and acknowledging subjectivity in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its primary function is to qualify statements by indicating that they are contingent on specific, potentially unstated, criteria. While common, overuse without context can lead to vagueness. Remember to be mindful of clarity and context when employing this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to certain criteria

Replaces "by some standards" with a more formal and direct expression of using specific criteria.

depending on the criteria used

Explicitly mentions that the assessment varies based on the selection of criteria.

by some measures

Indicates that the assessment depends on the specific measuring system used.

by different metrics

Highlights the use of alternative metrics in evaluating something.

from a particular viewpoint

Focuses on the subjective nature of a judgment, emphasizing a specific perspective.

by certain yardsticks

Uses a different metaphor (yardsticks) to convey the idea of differing measurement scales.

in certain respects

Highlights that the statement is true only in specific ways or aspects.

in some estimations

Highlights the subjective element of estimations and differing opinions.

under certain conditions

Emphasizes that the statement is valid only when specific conditions are met.

on some accounts

Indicates that the information varies depending on the source or report.

FAQs

How can I use "by some standards" in a sentence?

The phrase "by some standards" is used to indicate that a statement or assessment is dependent on specific criteria or viewpoints. For example: "By some standards, that's a very good salary."

What are some alternatives to "by some standards"?

You can use alternatives like "according to certain criteria", "in certain respects", or "by some measures" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to say something is 'good' "by some standards"?

Saying something is "good" "by some standards" means that its quality is judged positively based on a particular set of criteria, which may not be universally accepted or applied.

Is it better to specify the standards when using "by some standards"?

Yes, it is often better to specify the standards if possible to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. However, in some contexts, the standards may be implicitly understood or intentionally left open to interpretation.