by that standard

USAGE SUMMARY

"by that standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression used to indicate judgment based on a certain criterion. For example, "I'm not sure if this is a good idea—by that standard, how does it benefit our company?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By that standard, he succeeded today.

The Economist

By that standard, Mr. Ryan isn't qualified.

The New York Times

By that standard, Mom was enlightened.

University of California, Berkeley

By that standard, Clinton won the night.

The Guardian - Opinion

By that standard, I'm not so sure.

The New Yorker

By that standard, but only by that standard, the governor of Alaska did well.

The New York Times

By that standard Mr. McClinton is a blissfully innocent man.

The New York Times - Arts

By that standard, Loudon Wainwright III is a huge success.

The New Yorker

By that standard, King is a pretty good novelist.

The New Yorker

By that standard, he is 'former king's son'.

The Guardian - Opinion

By that standard, how does the Carter visit hold up?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by that standard" to clearly indicate the criteria upon which you are basing your judgment or comparison. It strengthens the logical flow of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "by that standard" without explicitly stating or implying the standard you are referring to. Ensure the reader understands the basis for your comparison to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by that standard" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by introducing a condition or criterion upon which a judgment or comparison is based. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. This phrase helps establish a logical connection between a stated premise and a subsequent evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by that standard" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a judgment or comparison based on a specific criterion. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is considered grammatically correct, making it suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, and academic writing. The phrase functions as an adverbial, modifying a clause by setting the conditions for evaluation. Related phrases such as "according to that criterion" or "judging by that measure" can be used as alternatives. When using "by that standard", ensure that the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability and relevance in conveying reasoned judgments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to that criterion

Replaces "standard" with "criterion", emphasizing a specific rule or principle.

given that benchmark

Uses "benchmark" to stress a point of reference for evaluation.

judging by that measure

Uses "measure" instead of "standard", focusing on a quantifiable aspect of comparison.

on that basis

Offers a more concise alternative, highlighting the foundation for judgment.

following that principle

Highlights a guiding rule or belief used for judgment.

by that logic

Emphasizes the reasoning or rationale behind the assessment.

on those terms

Focuses on the specific conditions or agreements used for evaluation.

in that context

Shifts focus to the circumstances surrounding the evaluation.

in light of that

Highlights the illuminating or clarifying aspect of the reference point.

considering that perspective

Emphasizes a particular viewpoint or angle of assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "by that standard" in a sentence?

Use "by that standard" to introduce a conclusion or judgment that follows from a previously stated criterion. For example, "The company aims to increase profits by 10%; by that standard, this quarter's results are disappointing".

What phrases are similar to "by that standard"?

Alternatives include "according to that criterion", "judging by that measure", or "on that basis". They all indicate a judgment based on a specific reference point.

Is there a more formal way to say "by that standard"?

While "by that standard" is suitable for most contexts, "according to that criterion" might be perceived as slightly more formal, especially in academic or professional writing.

How does the meaning of "by that standard" differ from "in that case"?

"By that standard" implies a comparison to a specific criterion or benchmark, while "in that case" refers to a specific set of circumstances or conditions. They are not interchangeable; "by that standard" is about evaluation, whereas "in that case" is about contingency.