on a human scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "on a human scale" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is relatable or understandable to a human perspective, especially when compared to something on a much larger or smaller scale. For example, "The problem is large, but can be managed on a human scale with the right resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

For the other one, we tried to make it fit on a human scale.

Vice

Over here, the Alps take on a human scale.

Huffington Post

In a land where the center cities are on a human scale, the politics will be humane also.

Los Angeles Times

The rooms are on a human scale – this was a private house, albeit a large one, for the military hero Count Maurits of Nassau-Siegen.

The Guardian - Arts

Let's compete on a human scale.

The New York Times

This was beauty on a human scale.

The Guardian

We want to keep it on a human scale.

The Guardian - Film

Decisions cannot be made on a human scale.

The Washington Post

ON A human scale, an atom is inconceivably small.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Democracy--government on a human scale--found its expression in human-scaled architecture.

Los Angeles Times

Imagine that, but playable (and a lot less unsettling) with On A Human Scale.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "on a human scale" to bring the topic back to relatable terms. For example, instead of just saying 'climate change is a massive problem', you can say 'climate change is a massive problem, but it can be addressed on a human scale through individual actions and community initiatives'.

Common error

Avoid using "on a human scale" when describing situations that inherently involve large numbers or abstract systems where individual relatability is not the primary focus. For instance, saying 'the national debt can be understood on a human scale' might be misleading, as it is better analyzed through economic indicators.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a human scale" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the scope or perspective from which something is viewed. It emphasizes relatability and understandability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and used to relate something to a human perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a human scale" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the relatability or understandability of something from a human perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, remember to employ this phrase to make abstract concepts more accessible and to connect large-scale issues to individual experiences. Avoid using it when the context inherently involves large, impersonal systems where individual relatability is not the primary focus. By using related phrases like "in relatable terms" or "from a human perspective", you can further refine your message. The phrase serves as a reminder to make information and problems more manageable and meaningful to people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a way that's easy to understand

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of something for human comprehension.

from a human perspective

Emphasizes viewing something through the lens of human understanding and values.

at a relatable level

Suggests that something is being presented or experienced in a way that humans can connect with.

in relatable terms

Focuses on making something understandable or relatable to human experiences.

in terms we can comprehend

Focuses on using language and concepts that are accessible to human understanding.

in understandable proportions

Highlights the size or scope being comprehensible to humans.

within human grasp

Implies that something is within the reach of human understanding or ability.

in a way that resonates with people

Highlights the emotional or personal connection that humans have with something.

at a practical level

Emphasizes the realistic and actionable aspects of something in relation to human capabilities.

in layman's terms

Focuses on simplifying complex topics for general understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "on a human scale" in a sentence?

Use "on a human scale" to describe situations or concepts that are understandable or relatable from a human perspective. For example, "While the universe is vast, we can explore aspects of it "in relatable terms" by studying the planets in our solar system."

What are some alternatives to "on a human scale"?

Alternatives include "from a human perspective", "in understandable proportions", or "at a relatable level", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "on a human scale"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Avoid using it in contexts where the scale is inherently large and impersonal, or where individual relatability is not relevant. For example, it might not be suitable when discussing cosmological distances.

What's the difference between "on a human scale" and "on a large scale"?

"On a human scale" refers to something understandable or manageable from an individual's perspective, whereas "on a large scale" refers to something extensive or widespread. For example, a local garden operates "at a practical level", whereas global deforestation happens on a large scale.