measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "measure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "measure" to mean both a unit of measurement (e.g. She poured two measures of sugar into the batter) or as a verb (e.g. We must measure the success of our project).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We always have to measure up with the best of them in the world.

The Guardian

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

But the prime minister failed to win the support of more than half of his 303 MPs after 136 Tories rejected the measure and around 40 Tory MPs either did not vote or actively abstained.

The Guardian

The newsagents had taken the precautionary measure of closing for business during the day to avoid damage being caused to the shop.

The Guardian - Opinion

On an underlying basis, as measured by earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, the Guardian and Observer lost £22m, but the cash loss, a more accurate measure of financial performance, was larger at £33m.

The Guardian

It is not a path to the eradication of poverty but only a measure to ease it.

The Guardian - Opinion

A performer and a pest in equal measure.

The Guardian - Sport

If it is feasible to measure happiness, then we should.

The Guardian

(Told you it was complicated; essentially, pensions, benefits and tax credits now use a lower measure of inflation to calculate their annual increases).

The Guardian - Opinion

For good measure, his work is a model of data presentation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Better Together officials insist that the decision to focus on the NHS was a panic measure after Salmond's debate defeat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language to clarify what is being measured and the units involved (e.g., "measure the temperature in Celsius" or "take measures to improve efficiency").

Common error

Avoid using "measure" when "measurement" is more appropriate. "Measure" refers to the act of measuring or a unit, while "measurement" is the result or the data obtained. For example, use "the measurement of the room" not "the measure of the room".

Linguistic Context

The word "measure" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the act of ascertaining the size, amount, or degree of something. As a noun, it refers to a unit of measurement or a course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "measure" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb. It's grammatically correct, frequently used across diverse contexts like News & Media and Formal & Business settings, and its meaning ranges from quantifying something precisely to taking specific actions. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. To ensure clarity, always provide sufficient context, distinguishing between the act of measuring and the obtained measurement. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "measure" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assess

Emphasizes evaluating the quality, importance, or value of something.

evaluate

Implies a more thorough and systematic assessment, often involving comparison to a standard.

gauge

Focuses on estimating or assessing something, often in a less precise way than measuring.

quantify

Highlights the act of expressing something in numerical terms.

determine

Suggests finding something out definitively, often through investigation or calculation.

ascertain

Indicates discovering something with certainty, often through careful inquiry.

calculate

Implies a precise mathematical computation.

estimate

Focuses on approximating a value or quantity, especially when precise measurement is not possible.

standard

Implies a reference point used for comparison or evaluation.

yardstick

Suggests a tool or criterion used for judging or evaluating something.

FAQs

How can I use "measure" in a sentence?

You can use "measure" as a verb, like in "We need to "measure the room"", or as a noun, such as "Take "preventative measures" to avoid problems".

What are some synonyms for the word "measure"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "assess", "gauge", or "evaluate" when "measure" is used as a verb. As a noun, synonyms include "standard", "criterion", or "extent".

What's the difference between "measure" and "measurement"?

"Measure" refers to the act of measuring something or a unit used for measuring, while "measurement" is the result obtained from the act of measuring. For example, "the "measure is accurate"" versus "the "measurement shows" a value of 2 meters".

When is it appropriate to use "measure" as a noun?

It's appropriate to use "measure" as a noun when referring to a unit of quantity (e.g., "a "measure of flour"") or a course of action (e.g., "a "precautionary measure"").