lies in the scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lies in the scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is determined or measured by a particular scale or standard. Example: "The success of the project lies in the scale of its implementation and the resources allocated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Some of this lies in the scale of Canada's trade with the EU.

The Guardian

Best Value: Select "Highest," "Middle," "Lowest," or "all" to filter your selection according to where the "best" answer lies in the scale.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are a few bits of furniture, memorabilia and artefacts and many photographs, but the interest lies in the scale of the rooms themselves, their layout and juxtaposition.

The Guardian

The wonder lies in the scale: the hugeness of the whale, the cruelty of its cull, the dog licking its lips.

The Guardian - Opinion

The answer lies in the scale of the undertaking and what it means for the rest of the e-health economy.

The Guardian - Tech

The primary importance of Kobane, a town populated by Kurds on the border with Turkey, lies in the scale of human misery that the battle and its displacement of 250,000 people has created.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But the contrast lay in the scale of the risk in Fangio's day.

The New York Times

The missing terms in the Gibbs free energy difference are the change in zero-point vibrational energy, which is in the scale of 0.005 eV/atom,55,56,57,58 ambient pressure effects, which lie in the scale of 0.001 eV/atom, and other contributions of smaller magnitudes.

Nature

Canada's experience also seems to refute the view, forcefully pushed by Paul Volcker, the formidable former Fed chairman, that the roots of our crisis lay in the scale and scope of our financial institutions — in the existence of banks that were "too big to fail".

The New York Times

The main difference between the two methods lies in the time scale at which the interface problem is solved: the micro-time scale for the GC algorithm and macro-time scale for the PH algorithm.

Finite Elements in Analysis and Design

The challenge lies in the fine scale of site selection, and the absence of a core area with high species richness and rarity.

Journal of Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lies in the scale", ensure you clearly define what "scale" you are referring to. Providing context will help the reader understand the specific metric or standard you are using to evaluate something.

Common error

Avoid using "lies in the scale" without specifying which scale is relevant. Without context, the statement becomes ambiguous and loses its impact. Instead of saying "The problem lies in the scale", specify "The problem lies in the scale of the project's budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lies in the scale" functions as a predicative expression. It asserts that a crucial aspect or determinant of something is its size, extent, or measurement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lies in the scale" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that emphasizes the importance of size, scope, or measurement in determining the significance of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, while not extremely common, it is used consistently across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify what "scale" is being referred to. Alternatives such as "depends on the magnitude" or "hinges on the extent" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances. The key is to provide context and avoid vagueness to maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on the magnitude

Focuses on the importance being determined by the size or extent, rather than a scale.

hinges on the extent

Emphasizes that the outcome or significance is directly related to the degree or scope of something.

resides in the proportion

Highlights the importance of relative size or balance, rather than a general scale.

is determined by the level

Shifts focus to a specific point or stage on a scale or hierarchy.

is a function of the range

Presents the importance as mathematically dependent on the spread or scope.

is related to the measurement

General statement about the importance being connected to a specific quantification.

is connected to the dimensions

Highlights the importance being related to the size and scope, especially in physical contexts.

is a matter of gradation

Implies that the importance is based on subtle variations within a spectrum.

is tied to the calibration

Suggests that the significance depends on the precision and accuracy of measurement.

turns on the gradation

Emphasizes that the crucial factor depends on the nuances of a scale or gradient.

FAQs

How can I use "lies in the scale" in a sentence?

You can use "lies in the scale" to emphasize that the magnitude, extent, or measurement is the crucial factor. For instance, "The project's success "lies in the scale" of its impact on the community".

What are some alternatives to "lies in the scale"?

Alternatives include phrases like "depends on the magnitude", "hinges on the extent", or "is determined by the level". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative shifts the focus slightly but maintains the core idea of importance being tied to measurement or scope.

What does it mean when someone says something "lies in the scale"?

It means that the key aspect, value, or significance of something is determined by its size, scope, or measurement according to a particular standard or system of values. It suggests that the quantitative aspect is paramount.

Is it correct to say "the problem lies in the scale of things"?

Yes, it's a correct and understandable phrase. It suggests that the issue's root cause is related to the magnitude, scope, or proportions involved. Consider whether a more specific phrase would be clearer, such as specifying which "scale of the project" is the issue.