exist on a scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exist on a scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a range or continuum of something, indicating that it varies in degree or intensity. Example: "Emotions can exist on a scale from happiness to sadness, with many shades in between."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Self-driving cars exist on a scale.

The Guardian - Tech

The tools to manipulate the market in gold exist on a scale that would have made Midas blush.

HuffPost

I'd love to see their protest statements on the systematic economic underdevelopment of generations of Black communities by both government and private mainstream corporate interests ― underdevelopment that has so devastated the institutional viability of most of these communities where crime and violence exist on a scale of pandemic public heath issues.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Your pain exists on a scale from 0 to 10.

The New Yorker

It was a weird and important way to learn that gender exists on a scale.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, the efficient-prediction perspective presumes that the market exists on a scale large enough to create significant rewards for those with accurate predictions.

The New York Times

It would certainly be a major deception to pretend that pro-Bonaparte feeling in Britain existed on a scale to match the national hostility towards him, especially as late as 1815.

The Guardian - Opinion

The consequences of ignoring and not treating those in need of help can be catastrophic, and the devastating impact on communities exists on a scale that Newtown knows only too well.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has been just over a month since his bandmate and best friend, Stephen Gately, was found dead at the age of 33 in his Mallorca holiday villa, and still it feels as though the magnitude of his loss exists on a scale too incomprehensible for Keating to cope with in its entirety.

The Guardian - Music

Just like every other disorder, misophonia exists on a scale ranging from mild to severe.

Vice

Put simply, the footwork scene in Japan exists on a scale not seen elsewhere in the world.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exist on a scale" when you want to emphasize that a quality, condition, or phenomenon is not binary but varies in intensity or degree. This is particularly useful in scientific, psychological, or sociological contexts where nuances are important.

Common error

Avoid using "exist on a scale" when describing situations that are clearly binary or have only two distinct options. This phrase is inappropriate when the subject cannot be graded or measured along a continuum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exist on a scale" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular attribute or phenomenon is not binary but rather varies in intensity or degree. It positions the subject within a range of possibilities, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exist on a scale" is used to express that something varies in degree or intensity, rather than being a simple yes or no. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and generally appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly when emphasizing the gradable nature of a subject. It's important to consider the specific context to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the nuances you wish to convey. While "exist on a scale" isn't as frequent as some other phrases, it's a valuable tool for expressing precision and complexity in your writing. Consider alternatives such as ""range across a spectrum"" or ""vary along a continuum"" to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid using the phrase when the subject at hand is binary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

range across a spectrum

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the range.

vary along a continuum

Highlights the gradual change along a defined path.

fall within a gradation

Focuses on subtle differences within a series.

lie on a sliding scale

Implies a smooth and adjustable range.

be present in varying degrees

Highlights the intensity or amount of something.

manifest across a gradient

Describes a gradual shift in manifestation.

occur within a spectrum

Focuses on the occurrence of something within a specific range.

extend across a continuum

Implies a continuous extension over a range.

show a gradation

Highlights the incremental changes.

display a range

Simply indicates a variety or scope.

FAQs

How can I use "exist on a scale" in a sentence?

You can use "exist on a scale" to indicate that something varies in degree or intensity. For example, "Pain levels "exist on a scale" from 1 to 10."

What is a good alternative to "exist on a scale"?

Alternatives to "exist on a scale" include "range across a spectrum", "vary along a continuum", or "lie on a sliding scale" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "exists on a scale of 1 to 10"?

Yes, it is correct. This usage is common when quantifying subjective experiences or measurements, such as pain or satisfaction. It indicates a structured and quantifiable continuum.

What does it mean when something "exists on a continuum"?

When something "exists on a continuum", it means that it is not a discrete category but rather can vary continuously between two extremes. It implies that there are intermediate states or degrees.