high standards

USAGE SUMMARY

"high standards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that requires someone to meet certain expectations or criteria. For example: "The company upholds high standards for customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

High standards?

The New Yorker

The man has high standards.

The New York Times

He had high standards.

The New Yorker

We have high standards".

The New York Times

It establishes high standards.

The New York Times

Overly high standards.

Harvard Business Review

He holds himself to high standards.

The New York Times

They have high standards in getting feedback.

Independent

But women actually have very high standards.

Independent

He set high standards for himself.

The Economist

He holds himself to extremely high standards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific expectations, follow "high standards" with a prepositional phrase clarifying the area of focus. For example, "high standards in customer service" or "high standards for safety".

Common error

Avoid using "high standards" as a vague, aspirational goal. Instead, clearly define what those standards are and how they will be measured. Generic statements lack impact. Be specific to enhance clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high standards" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a set of elevated expectations or requirements. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its common and grammatically sound application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high standards" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe elevated expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business settings and science domains. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternative phrases such as "exacting criteria" or "stringent requirements" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exacting criteria

Emphasizes the rigorous and demanding nature of the standards.

stringent requirements

Highlights the strictness and precision of the requirements.

demanding benchmarks

Focuses on the challenging levels set as a reference point.

rigorous expectations

Underscores the thoroughness and severity of the anticipated performance.

premium criteria

Highlights the superior quality and value of the criteria.

elite requirements

Emphasizes the exclusivity and selectiveness of the requirements.

top-tier benchmarks

Focuses on the highest level of achievement used for comparison.

superior expectations

Highlights the exceptional level of performance anticipated.

elevated guidelines

Focuses on the higher level of guidance and rules.

challenging norms

Emphasizes the difficulty in meeting the established standards.

FAQs

How can I use "high standards" in a sentence?

You can use "high standards" to describe expectations or requirements, such as "The company maintains "high standards" for product quality" or "He holds himself to "extremely high standards"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "high standards"?

Alternatives include "exacting criteria", "stringent requirements", or "demanding benchmarks" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to have "high standards"?

Having "high standards" means setting demanding expectations for oneself or others, typically related to performance, quality, or ethical conduct. It implies a commitment to excellence and a refusal to accept mediocrity.

Is it better to have "high standards" or "realistic standards"?

The best approach balances ambition with feasibility. While "high standards" can drive improvement, excessively unrealistic ones can lead to frustration and burnout. Aim for standards that stretch capabilities but remain attainable.