lower benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower benchmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a standard or point of reference that is set at a lower level than what is typically expected or required. Example: "The company has decided to set a lower benchmark for performance this quarter to accommodate the recent market changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Those discounted fees will likely set a lower benchmark for future World Cup television-rights bids in the U.S., potentially costing FIFA millions of dollars in future revenue.

The New Yorker

By far the most worrying explanation, though, is that employers have started to assume that the fall in inflation to zero is permanent rather than temporary and are using a lower benchmark when they begin pay negotiations.

The Guardian - Business

Model performance measures were normalized by relating them to an upper and a lower benchmark representing a well-informed and an uninformed model calibration.

Journal of Hydrology

Given that present Chinese spot prices stand above $110 per ton, Wilkins said there is little likelihood of BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, or Vale agreeing to a lower benchmark settlement with CISA, even if it is only for 6 months.

Forbes

Even with a lower benchmark of immunogenicity (i.e. two fold increase in HAI titres), clear benefit was not detected.

Plosone

This value corresponds to the lower benchmark dose (BMDL) divided by the composite uncertainty factor of 10 used to derive the reference dose assuming a linear dose response relationship by the National Research Council (2000).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Pew study found that 19 states fell below its favored 80-percent threshold, but other studies use lower benchmarks to measure stability.

Huffington Post

For each indicator, upper and lower benchmarks were set.

Global Health Action

At present, there is no standard international classification system for stillbirth causation, and disagreement persists about the lower benchmarks of birth weight and gestational age used to define stillbirth.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Each month that your sales exceed a certain benchmark, you earn the bonus for that benchmark and any lower benchmarks exceeded during that month.

WikiHow

In September, the Fed lowered benchmark interest rates for the first time in four years, opening the second front in its economic stimulus campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "lower benchmark" when comparing current performance against previous standards or when setting expectations for future achievements to show a clear comparison.

Common error

Don't use "lower benchmark" without specifying what the original benchmark was. This can lead to confusion about the extent of the reduction and the new expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower benchmark" primarily functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It designates a specific standard or reference point that has been reduced or made less demanding. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower benchmark" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote a reduced standard or point of reference. Ludwig AI validates its usage across news, science, and business domains, though it's relatively uncommon. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify what is being measured and why the benchmark is being reduced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "reduced standard" or "relaxed criterion" can be used for semantic variation. Overall, "lower benchmark" is a versatile phrase useful in situations where expectations or requirements have been adjusted downwards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced standard

Emphasizes the act of reducing a previously existing standard.

less stringent requirement

Focuses on the reduced strictness of a requirement.

relaxed criterion

Highlights the loosening of a specific criterion or measure.

eased guideline

Suggests a softening of a rule or recommendation.

diminished expectation

Focuses on the lowering of anticipated outcomes or performance levels.

minimal threshold

Emphasizes the lowest acceptable level or limit.

lower threshold

Similar to "minimal threshold" but emphasizes the act of decreasing the existing threshold.

reduced objective

Highlights the scaling down of a goal or target.

less ambitious goal

Focuses on the reduced ambition or scope of a goal.

scaled-down target

Emphasizes the reduced size or scope of a target.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "lower benchmark" in a sentence?

To effectively use "lower benchmark", clarify what is being measured and why the benchmark is being reduced. For instance, "Due to market conditions, we've set a "lower benchmark" for sales this quarter."

What phrases can I substitute for "lower benchmark" to convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "reduced standard", "relaxed criterion", or "minimal threshold", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "lower benchmark" in formal writing?

Yes, "lower benchmark" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, science, and news contexts. It's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates what standard is being reduced.

What's the difference between "lower benchmark" and "higher benchmark"?

"Lower benchmark" indicates a reduction in the standard or target, while "higher benchmark" signifies an increase. The choice depends on whether expectations are being raised or lowered.