exacting standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exacting standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of precision or strictness in requirements or expectations. Example: "The project was completed to an exacting standard, ensuring that every detail was meticulously attended to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their methods and motivations varied, but the outcome was the same: the creation of generations of Bartlebys, human writing machines who could rapidly and reliably fill ledgers with clear lettering produced to an exacting standard.

The New York Times - Books

That figure, moreover, must be almost constant across the entire wafer an exacting standard which Intel (admittedly, not a dispassionate observer) believes will add to manufacturing costs.SuVolta, a small company in Silicon Valley, has therefore come up with a third approach.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And they must take into account teenagers' exacting standards.

The New York Times

But doesn't fear attach itself to any demanding editor who sets exacting standards?

The New Yorker

Exacting standards — it seems fair to term him a control freak — evidently made him a poor team player.

The New Yorker

Even by his usual, exacting standards, Noseda's performance with the BBC Philharmonic was exceptional in its attention to detail and focus on the work's emotional ferocity.

The Guardian - Music

Although he found himself unable to meet Goebbels' exacting standards of sycophancy, and got into trouble, he did the same thing when the communists were in power, postwar.

The Guardian - Books

Exacting standards and innovation design are two charactistics of our age's project work, particularly in the oil & gas sector.

World Pumps

Jerry has always understood the market he operates and insisted on exacting standards and goals.

Huffington Post

It must meet Ralph Lauren's exacting standards.

The New York Times

Mr. and Mrs. Henderson's exacting standards have never wavered.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exacting standard", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being measured against this high level of precision. Be specific about the criteria that must be met.

Common error

Avoid using "exacting standard" as a generic compliment. It's more effective when you can demonstrate or explain the reasons why the standard is particularly demanding or precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exacting standard" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exacting" modifies the noun "standard". It describes a level of quality, precision, or requirement that is very demanding. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exacting standard" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a high level of precision or strictness in requirements. Though Ludwig AI notes its correctness, it appears with relative infrequency. It is mostly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure the context justifies the use of such a demanding term and specify the criteria being evaluated against this standard. Consider alternatives like "stringent requirement" or "rigorous criterion" for variety or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacting demand

Focuses on the rigor and the expectation imposed.

stringent requirement

Emphasizes the mandatory nature and strictness of the requirement.

rigorous criterion

Highlights the thoroughness and severity of the evaluation measure.

precise specification

Focuses on the accuracy and detail in the set of requirements.

rigid specification

Highlights the inflexibility and precision required.

strict benchmark

Implies a high level of performance or achievement that must be met.

demanding measure

Highlights the difficulty and high expectations associated with the standard.

high requirement

A more general way to express that the expectation is elevated

definitive condition

Focuses on the concrete and decisive aspect of the requirement

severe stipulation

Emphasizes the harsh or inflexible nature of the requirement

FAQs

How can I use "exacting standard" in a sentence?

You can use "exacting standard" to describe criteria that demand high precision or strict adherence. For example, "The engineering project was completed to an "exacting standard", ensuring every component met the required specifications."

What are some alternatives to "exacting standard"?

Some alternatives include "stringent requirement", "rigorous criterion", or "precise specification", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very exacting standard"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" with "exacting standard" can be redundant. "Exacting" already implies a high degree of precision, so alternatives like "exceptionally "high standard"" might be more effective.

What is the difference between "exacting standard" and "high standard"?

"High standard" is a general term indicating a good level of quality or performance. "Exacting standard" implies a very specific and rigorous set of criteria that must be met with precision and meticulous attention to detail.