compared to the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

"compared to the norm" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when discussing something in relation to a standard or average measurement or behavior. Example: "The test scores of the students were compared to the norm for their grade level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Yet Rogers and Feller reported that advising parents how their kids' absenteeism compared to the norm produced no more meaningful impact than did telling them how many days their children were absent.

University of California, Berkeley

Each individual's educational attainment is then compared to the norm in that occupation.

IZA Journal of Migration

The shift is negative if the subject has a lower activity concentration in its healthy regions compared to the norm.

EJNMMI Research

Putting aside the edge of the S6 Edge for a moment, the curved styling of the rest of the handset is as expected, with very little different or awkward compared to the norm.

Forbes

Indicators of platelet hemostasis characterized by persistence of hypoagregation: ICC was reduced by 24.71%, compared to the norm; parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis have reliable trend toward normal and decreasing the activity of fibrinolysis index reaches normal reference values.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

It is unexpected behavior, compared to the norm, which makes it more likely to be filmed".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Family members also scored statistically significantly worse on the EQ-5D VAS in all five assessments compared to the norm-based score.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The statistically significant difference in the EQ-5D VAS compared to the norm-based score represented an unequivocal pattern in all five assessments.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Results reported by Persson and colleagues [ 11] are consistent with our finding that family members scored significantly lower on the mental dimension scales compared to the norm-based scores [ 11].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

compared to the norms, two points if below 2 s.d., and three points if below 3 s.d.

British Journal of Cancer

Patients with diabetes and diabetic hand symptoms (limited joint mobility, CTS, flexor tenosynovitis and Dupuytren's contracture) were documented as having impaired physical health when compared to the norms for the general population [ 18].

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compared to the norm", ensure the 'norm' is clearly defined to provide a meaningful comparison. This might involve specifying the population, timeframe, or context to which the comparison is being made.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands which 'norm' you are referring to. Always provide specific details or context to prevent ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "performance was low compared to the norm", specify "performance was low compared to the industry norm for Q3 2024".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to the norm" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison. It sets a benchmark against which something is evaluated, often indicating whether something is above, below, or consistent with the expected average or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compared to the norm" is a grammatically sound and common prepositional phrase used to establish a point of comparison against a standard or average. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, offering a neutral to formal tone. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it serves to contextualize information and provide perspective, aiding understanding by relating specifics to general expectations. For clear communication, remember to define the "norm" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relative to the standard

Changes the point of reference from a general 'norm' to a more defined 'standard'.

in relation to the average

Substitutes 'norm' with 'average', focusing on a statistical measure.

compared with the usual

Replaces 'norm' with 'usual', indicating a common or typical occurrence.

in comparison to the typical

Uses 'typical' instead of 'norm', emphasizing the common characteristic.

assessed against the baseline

Changes the comparison to a 'baseline', implying an initial measurement.

evaluated in light of the expected

Replaces 'norm' with 'expected', focusing on anticipated outcomes.

juxtaposed with the median

Substitutes 'norm' with 'median', highlighting a statistical midpoint.

weighed against the conventional

Uses 'conventional' instead of 'norm', emphasizing established practices.

measured against the benchmark

Changes the comparison to a 'benchmark', implying a standard for evaluation.

in contrast to the regular

Substitutes 'norm' with 'regular', focusing on what is ordinary or routine.

FAQs

How can I use "compared to the norm" in a sentence?

You can use "compared to the norm" to show how something measures up against a standard or average. For example, "The patient's recovery time was rapid "compared to the norm" for similar procedures".

What are some alternatives to "compared to the norm"?

Alternatives include "relative to the standard", "in relation to the average", or "in comparison to the typical", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to define the "norm" when using "compared to the norm"?

While not always mandatory, defining the "norm" enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations. Providing context ensures your audience understands the basis of your comparison. For example, "Compared to the national average income, their earnings were significantly higher" provides a clear benchmark.

When is it more appropriate to use "compared to the standard" over "compared to the norm"?

"Compared to the standard" is preferable when referencing an established, formal guideline or requirement. "Compared to the norm" is better suited for general averages or typical behaviors. For example, you might say "The product's quality "compared to the standard"" but "Student attendance "compared to the norm"".