measuring up to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "measuring up to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about someone or something that can meet a certain standard or expectation. For example: "He had to prove that he was measuring up to the expectations of his new role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Height measurements were taken using an AlturaExata® portable stadiometer measuring up to 2 with an accuracy of 1 mm.

BMC Public Health

Is it measuring up to its name?

The Guardian

He was not alone in not measuring up to pre-Olympic hype.

The New York Times

Our bodies literally poked and prodded – never measuring up to the European standard of beauty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much of the conversation involved wondering why this year wasn't measuring up to last.

The New York Times - Arts

I think I was afraid of not measuring up to that.

The Guardian

Now, employee pay is tied to measuring up to management's key performance indicators (K.P.I.'s, in Lego-speak).

The New York Times

The houses picked for the research were detached homes measuring up to 5,000 square feet in size.

The Guardian

And I think the international buzz is much more important, because that is where you are measuring up to.

The New York Times - Sports

I also felt as if I had disappointed myself by not measuring up to my mother's academic caliber.

The New York Times

The Gaboon viper also possesses the longest fangs of any snake, measuring up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone. "Measuring up to" can imply a critical assessment, so use it judiciously, especially when evaluating people's efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "measuring up to" when simply describing something's size or dimensions. Reserve it for situations where you're evaluating whether something meets a specific standard or expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "measuring up to" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically an intransitive verb followed by a preposition. Ludwig AI explains that it is a correct and usable phrase. It indicates an evaluation of something against a certain standard or expectation, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "measuring up to" is a versatile expression used to evaluate whether something meets a specific standard or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. When using "measuring up to", it's crucial to clearly define the benchmark for comparison and be mindful of the evaluative tone. Related phrases, such as "meeting expectations" or "achieving standards", can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting expectations

Focuses on fulfilling anticipated outcomes or standards, instead of comparing.

achieving standards

Highlights the accomplishment of reaching a defined level of quality or performance, without necessarily the comparison.

living up to

Implies fulfilling a set of expectations or a reputation, similar to "measuring up to".

equaling

Denotes reaching the same level or standard as something else.

reaching the standard

Indicates attaining a specific level of performance or quality.

being on par with

Suggests a state of equality or equivalence with something else.

performing as well as

Compares the level of performance to another entity or standard.

attaining the level of

Focuses on reaching a specific stage or degree of achievement.

holding up to

Indicates withstanding scrutiny or comparison, but with a hint of durability or resilience.

coming up to par

Suggests an improvement in performance or quality to meet an expected level.

FAQs

How do you use "measuring up to" in a sentence?

You can use "measuring up to" to describe whether something meets expectations or standards. For instance, "Is the new product "measuring up to" its initial hype?"

What is a good alternative to "measuring up to"?

Alternatives include "meeting expectations", "living up to", or "achieving standards" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "measuring up to" instead of "meeting"?

"Measuring up to" implies a comparison against a specific benchmark or expectation. "Meeting" simply indicates that a requirement has been satisfied. The choice depends on whether a comparison is intended.

Is "measuring up to" formal or informal?

"Measuring up to" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.