in the scale of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the scale of things" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something in comparison to other things, either to talk about the importance of something relative to other things, or to talk about its size or quantity relative to other things. For example, "In the scale of things, this project might seem small, but it's going to have a huge impact on our department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Obviously that doesn't mean much in the scale of things.

The Guardian

"Fifteen-thousand aninals in the scale of things wouldn't make much of a difference," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Nothing much is happening in Pissarro's painting – well, not when weighed in the scale of things.

Independent

In the scale of things, the meeting was not a big deal, even though it involved more than 100 countries.

The New York Times

In the scale of things, they were probably right not to worry about it, yet it was a strange choice all the same.

The Guardian - Books

Out of that earth house I inherited A stack of singular, cold memory-weights To load me, hand and foot, in the scale of things.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This may be true in part, although the scale of things would likely suffer, but for me that makes it all the more impressive.

Forbes

The sums of capital held by universities, in particular, are small on the scale of things.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scale of things in the solar system changed that day.

Britannica

The Scale of Things In New York, waterfront parcels tend to be large, underused industrial sites, making it easier for developers to create more ambitious projects than in developed parts of town.

The New York Times

Infinity nagged at the scale of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the scale of things" to provide context and perspective when discussing the relative importance or impact of a specific event, action, or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "in the scale of things" when a direct comparison or simple statement of fact is more appropriate. The phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of proportion or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the scale of things" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to provide context regarding the relative significance or proportion of something. It sets a perspective from which a situation should be viewed. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the scale of things" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to provide perspective by comparing something to a larger context. Ludwig confirms its validity, highlighting its usage across diverse sources, including news outlets and books. While suitable for various contexts, it excels at adding nuance when conveying relative importance. Remember to use it when seeking to downplay or emphasize aspects by providing a clear scope of perspective. Be sure you are using the phrase to provide a new perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the grand scheme of things

This alternative emphasizes a broader, more encompassing perspective.

in comparison to other things

This option highlights a direct comparison between elements.

relative to other considerations

This version emphasizes a focus on comparing different factors.

considering the big picture

This alternative underscores a holistic view.

when all is said and done

This phrase suggests an evaluation after a period of time.

in the general context

This alternative focuses on the overall setting or background.

taking a broader view

This version suggests an expansive perspective.

in light of everything

This alternative emphasizes that a new perspective has been reached after careful consideration of all the facts.

weighing everything up

This phrase implies that consideration has been given to all sides of a question before a decision is reached.

assessing the situation

This option emphasizes the idea of judgement and reaching a verdict.

FAQs

How can I use "in the scale of things" in a sentence?

You can use "in the scale of things" to show that something is more or less important than it might seem at first. For example, "In the scale of things, missing one deadline isn't a major issue."

What phrases are similar to "in the scale of things"?

Similar phrases include "in the grand scheme of things", "relatively speaking", and "when all is said and done".

Is "in the scale of things" a formal or informal phrase?

"In the scale of things" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in news and opinion pieces than in highly formal academic writing.

What's the difference between "in the scale of things" and "in the scheme of things"?

The phrases are very similar. "In the scheme of things" often emphasizes a structured or planned context, while "in the scale of things" focuses on relative importance or size.