different yardsticks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different yardsticks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to varying standards or criteria used to measure or evaluate something. Example: "When assessing the success of the project, we must recognize that different yardsticks may lead to different conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Moussa: Why different yardsticks?

The New York Times

Different yardsticks show diverging trends.

The New York Times

There will be no different yardsticks.

The New York Times

But Mr Pramoedya has different yardsticks.

The Economist

There are a couple of different yardsticks being used".

The New York Times - Arts

Dergham: It seems different yardsticks are being applied in the Arab world?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But when you go to Europe, there's a different yardstick by which men are measured".

The New York Times - Magazine

Patients' groups, of course, quantify risks and rewards using an entirely different yardstick.

The Economist

Many women share similar experiences of having their actions judged by a different yardstick than their male colleagues.

The Guardian

Britain uses a different yardstick: that of "payments", referring to the money actually spent, which usually comes out lower.

The Guardian

For Colin Montgomerie something happened yesterday to suggest that his stature may one day be assessed by a different yardstick.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "different yardsticks", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and why the yardsticks differ.

Common error

Avoid using "different yardsticks" as a vague criticism without specifying the precise discrepancies. Instead, clearly outline the specific standards or criteria that vary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different yardsticks" functions as a noun phrase, where "different" modifies the noun "yardsticks." It typically acts as a subject complement or object, denoting varying standards or criteria used for measurement or assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different yardsticks" effectively conveys the concept of varying standards or criteria used for evaluation. Grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI indicates, it frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; avoid vagueness by specifying what is being measured and the nature of the differing standards. Alternatives like "varying standards" or "diverse criteria" offer nuanced ways to express the same idea. Remember that "different yardsticks" simply indicates different measures, not necessarily unfairness, distinguishing it from the term "double standards".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varying standards

Focuses on the standards themselves being different rather than the tool used to measure.

diverse criteria

Emphasizes the variety of criteria employed.

alternative metrics

Highlights the use of different measurement systems.

distinct measures

Stresses the separateness of the measurement methods.

separate benchmarks

Implies a formal comparison against different reference points.

differing evaluation methods

Specifies that the methods used for evaluation are not the same.

unequal treatment

Suggests a bias in the application of standards.

inconsistent application

Highlights the lack of uniformity in how something is applied.

subjective assessments

Emphasizes the personal and variable nature of evaluations.

selective criteria

Indicates that specific criteria are chosen over others.

FAQs

How can I use "different yardsticks" in a sentence?

You can use "different yardsticks" to illustrate that varying standards are being applied to different situations. For example: "It seems "different yardsticks" are being applied in the Arab world?"

What is an alternative to using "different yardsticks"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "varying standards", "diverse criteria", or "alternative metrics".

Is it correct to say "different yard stick" instead of "different yardsticks"?

While "yardstick" can be singular, "different yardsticks" implies multiple standards or criteria. Using "different yard stick" suggests only one differing standard, which might not accurately convey the intended meaning if multiple aspects are being measured.

What's the difference between "different yardsticks" and "double standards"?

"Different yardsticks" generally refers to the use of varying criteria, while "double standards" implies unfair or biased application of those criteria. "Different yardsticks" can simply mean different measures are being used, without necessarily implying injustice.