calibrate against

USAGE SUMMARY

"calibrate against" is a valid phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to mean that something is adjusted or measured against a specific standard. For example: We need to calibrate the machine against the manufacturer's specifications before running the test.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Numerical simulations based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) using the software package ABAQUS/Standard are also performed to compare with and calibrate against the tests.

Thin-Walled Structures

As a reference to calibrate against, we therefore use accelerations that are estimated from the GPS tracking data, independently from the accelerometer measurements, in a Precise Orbit Determination (POD) process (van den IJssel and Visser 2007).

Earth, Planets and Space

AR-WCMA produces much better results because it uses the values of the same slot over previous days and also the previous slots of the same day, which helps to calibrate against the actual weather condition.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Samples are calibrated against a ten-point calibration curve.

Environmental Systems Research

The instrument was calibrated against white reflector plate (reference calibrator).

Analytical Chemistry

The horror of the injustice is calibrated against the honour of the victim.

The Guardian - Opinion

The instrument was calibrated against 10−4 M AgI colloidal dispersions.

International Nano Letters

Ratio was calibrated against the randomly selected area (200 µm200

International Aquatic Research

The CO2 analyzer was calibrated against a reference analyzer.

Earth, Planets and Space

The isomer shift values were calibrated against metallic α-Fe.

Chemistry Central Journal

The instrument was calibrated against a Si crystal.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calibrate against", ensure you clearly define the standard or reference point you are calibrating against. This clarifies the basis for your adjustment or measurement.

Common error

Avoid using "calibrate against" in non-technical contexts where simple comparison or adjustment is sufficient. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound overly complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calibrate against" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of adjusting an instrument or model to a known standard to ensure accuracy. This usage is supported by the examples found by Ludwig, primarily in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calibrate against" is a grammatically correct phrase used in technical and scientific fields to describe the act of adjusting something to meet a known standard. Ludwig highlights its infrequent usage but confirms its validity. It's essential to use this phrase in appropriate contexts where precision and accuracy are paramount. When simpler comparison suffices, alternatives such as "measure against" are preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measure against

Emphasizes the act of comparing a measurement to a standard.

benchmark against

Focuses on using a benchmark for comparison and evaluation.

compare with

Highlights the act of finding similarities and differences in general.

validate against

Stresses the act of confirming the accuracy or truth through comparison.

adjust to

Focuses on the act of making changes to conform to a standard.

standardize with

Highlights making something conform to a specific standard.

align with

Emphasizes bringing something into agreement or correspondence with a standard.

correlate with

Focuses on establishing a relationship or connection with a standard.

verify with

Highlights confirming the truth or accuracy of something by comparing it to a standard.

check against

Stresses verifying something by comparing it with something else.

FAQs

How do you use "calibrate against" in a sentence?

You can use "calibrate against" to indicate adjusting a measurement instrument or model using a known standard. For example: "The instrument was calibrated against a white reflector plate".

What is a synonym for "calibrate against"?

A synonym for "calibrate against" is "measure against". Both phrases imply using a standard for comparison and adjustment.

When is it appropriate to use "calibrate against"?

It's appropriate to use "calibrate against" in technical or scientific contexts where precise adjustments are required based on a known reference. If you are just comparing, use "compare with" instead.

How does "calibrate against" differ from "validate against"?

"Calibrate against" implies adjusting to meet a standard, while "validate against" suggests confirming accuracy through comparison. Calibration adjusts, validation confirms.