lower the standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower the standard" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
It is often used in contexts related to the evaluation of performance, for instance: "The teacher had to lower the standard after half the students failed the exam".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

If he refuses, lower the standard of his living until he gets the point.

The Guardian

"If I were to lower the standard out of fear, what kind of message would I be sending?" he said.

The New York Times

"If you lower the standard," Mr. Davis said, agents are "going to engage in more aggressive conduct".

The New York Times

Worse, the bill would lower the standard for exercising a veto.

The New York Times

To make it attractive to businesses, they will lower the standard and undercut existing consumer rights".

The New York Times - Tech

"The powders and jars, convenience food — all of that helped lower the standard".

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"He didn't lower the standards.

The New York Times - Sports

The effect that had was generally to lower the standards of evidence collection".

The New York Times

"But we can't lower the standards and then just claim a Superfund site is clean.

The New York Times

But he added: "You don't need to lower the standards.

The New York Times

We cannot allow ourselves to lower the standards we have set".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing quality or performance, be specific about what aspect of the standard is being lowered to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if you're "lowering the standard" for acceptance rates, product quality, or ethical behavior.

Common error

While often negative, "lower the standard" can sometimes be a strategic decision to increase accessibility or inclusivity. Clarify the rationale behind "lowering the standard" to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower the standard" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of reducing a level of quality, expectation, or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig show it describing reducing standards of proof, quality of care, and performance expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lower the standard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a reduction in quality, expectation, or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in English. Its usage spans diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. The phrase carries neutral to potentially negative connotations, signaling a shift in criteria that could affect quality, accessibility, or inclusivity. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what specific standard is being lowered and why, preventing misunderstandings. Related phrases include "reduce the requirements" and "relax the criteria".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the requirements

Emphasizes the act of diminishing specific requirements.

relax the criteria

Focuses on making the criteria less strict or demanding.

ease the regulations

Highlights the act of making regulations less stringent.

weaken the principles

Implies compromising on foundational principles.

degrade the quality

Focuses on the reduction of the overall quality.

compromise on quality

Highlights the act of making a compromise of a good quality.

undermine the integrity

Implies weakening or damaging the integrity.

dilute the value

Focuses on reducing the value or importance.

diminish the excellence

Highlights the reduction of excellence.

water down the provisions

Refers to weakening or diluting specific provisions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lower the standard"?

To "lower the standard" means to reduce the level of quality, requirement, or expectation that is considered acceptable or satisfactory. This can apply to various contexts, such as performance metrics, product quality, or ethical behavior.

When is it appropriate to "lower the standard"?

It might be appropriate to "lower the standard" in situations where accessibility, inclusivity, or feasibility are prioritized over maintaining a high degree of rigor or excellence. However, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential consequences before doing so.

What are some alternatives to "lower the standard"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "reduce the requirements", "relax the criteria", or "ease the regulations". These phrases offer different nuances and can be more appropriate depending on the situation.

What are the potential consequences of "lowering the standard"?

"Lowering the standard" can lead to reduced quality, compromised integrity, and decreased performance. It can also erode trust and create a perception of mediocrity. However, if done strategically, it can increase accessibility and inclusivity. Always weigh the pros and cons carefully.