by that yardstick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by that yardstick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing or measuring something against a specific standard or criterion. Example: "By that yardstick, our performance this quarter has significantly improved compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

By that yardstick, therefore, we're failing".

The Guardian

By that yardstick too, the world is quickly becoming older.

The New York Times - Magazine

By that yardstick, his chancellorship has been a failure.

The Guardian - Business

By that yardstick, it has spent $2.4 billion in credit subsidies for the program.

The New York Times

By that yardstick, windfalls like the Halifax shares should be relatively insignificant.

The Economist

By that yardstick, it would be wise to show short-term restraint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

On the other hand, too much results in inflation.By that yardstick, demand in China is still modest.

The Economist

Another finding, paradoxical but unsurprising, is that by the yardstick of the Y chromosome, the world's Jewish communities closely resemble not only each other but also Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese, suggesting that all are descended from a common ancestral population that inhabited the Middle East some four thousand years ago.

The New York Times - Science

By the yardsticks that appeared to matter most — prosperity and growth — the relationship between China and the United States also seemed to be paying off for both countries.

The New York Times

By one variant of that yardstick, China is on the verge of becoming the world's mightiest country.In this section Tipping the scales The taxman blustereth The dragon takes wing Shock therapy Muted music Rounding down Bigger than Marx Corporate sardines ReprintsThe International Comparison Programme (ICP) was established in 1968 in an attempt to allow for such things.

The Economist

And there was more than a touch of razzmatazz in Dublin on Monday, as the magnitude of her celebrity was measured by that modern yardstick – a pop concert in her honour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by that yardstick" to clearly indicate that you are applying a specific, previously mentioned criterion for evaluation. Ensure the yardstick is well-defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by that yardstick" when the reference point is vague or undefined. Make sure the "yardstick" is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the preceding context, otherwise readers may misunderstand your comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by that yardstick" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate that a statement or judgment is being made in accordance with a specific standard or criterion. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where the phrase introduces a consequence or assessment based on a previously mentioned measure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by that yardstick" is a useful phrase for establishing a clear connection between a standard of measurement and a related assessment. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and formal writing. To use it effectively, make sure the "yardstick" is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. While it is a valid phrase, consider alternatives like "by that measure" or "by that standard" for slight variations in tone and emphasis. Remember that clarity is key and choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by that measure

Replaces "yardstick" with "measure", offering a slightly more general term for a standard of comparison.

by that standard

Substitutes "yardstick" with "standard", implying an accepted rule or principle for evaluation.

according to that criterion

Replaces "by" with "according to" and "yardstick" with "criterion", making the phrase more formal and specific.

on that basis

Offers a more concise alternative, focusing on the foundation for judgment or decision.

using that benchmark

Replaces "yardstick" with "benchmark", a standard or point of reference used for comparison.

judged by those criteria

Emphasizes the act of judging and uses the plural form of "criterion", indicating multiple standards.

in light of that

Shifts the focus to considering something in the context of a particular fact or situation.

given that perspective

Highlights the importance of a specific viewpoint or understanding.

from that viewpoint

Emphasizes the subjective nature of evaluation based on a specific position or belief.

by implication

Suggests that a conclusion is drawn indirectly from the stated premise.

FAQs

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

Use "by that yardstick" to introduce a conclusion or assessment based on a specific standard. For example, "The company exceeded its sales targets. By that yardstick, the year was a success".

What phrases are similar to "by that yardstick"?

You can use alternatives like "by that measure", "by that standard", or "according to that criterion" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "by that yardstick" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "by that yardstick" is generally suitable for formal writing. However, in highly academic or scientific contexts, more precise alternatives such as "according to that criterion" or "based on that metric" may be preferred.

When is it inappropriate to use "by that yardstick"?

It's best to avoid "by that yardstick" if the reference point or standard being used is unclear or has not been explicitly mentioned previously in the text. Clarity is key when using this phrase.