on a local scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a local scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is relevant or applicable within a specific, limited geographic area or community. Example: "The environmental impact of the project was assessed on a local scale to understand its effects on the nearby ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Change, he thought, would be easier to bring on a local scale, and the region could become a launchpad for national reform.

The Guardian

On a local scale, Egypt is experiencing one of its most serious energy crises in decades.

Solar Energy

Is the price competitive on a local scale?

Independent

The particle's position thus altered the nanotube's electrical resistance on a local scale.

The Economist

"It has much more of a utilitarian value on a local scale than on a global scale".

The New York Times

Occurring as it did only on a local scale, however, Mincome only takes the argument so far.

The Guardian - Business

Having seen the results of his activism on a local scale, Mr. Johnson was ready when a larger effort essentially proposed itself.

The New York Times - Arts

"Studying coral reefs provides a better understanding of short-term risks on a local scale," says Catlin Insurance Group chief executive, Stephen Catlin.

The Guardian

About 20% is xenophobia and I don't like it, and it tries to pretend we can resolve these big issues on a local scale and we can't".

The Guardian

This is a conversation that needs to happen on a large scale, and on a local scale, and on a personal scale, very soon.

The Guardian - Books

General relativity follows from Einstein's principle of equivalence: on a local scale it is impossible to distinguish between physical effects due to gravity and those due to acceleration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a local scale" to emphasize the impact or relevance of something within a limited geographical area or community. It helps to narrow the focus and make the information more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "on a local scale" when the context is already clearly local. Redundancy can make your writing sound less concise. Choose simpler phrasing when the scale is self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a local scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the scope or extent of an action, impact, or condition. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it clarifies that something is relevant or applicable within a limited geographic area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a local scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to specify that an action, impact, or analysis is limited to a defined geographical area or community. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to contextualize information, making it relevant to a particular audience or situation. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy by using simpler phrasing when the local context is already clear. Its frequency across diverse sources like Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias underscores its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the local level

Replaces "scale" with "level" for a slightly less formal tone.

at a regional level

Uses the word "regional" to express the scale

locally

Single-word adverb replacing the prepositional phrase for brevity.

within the community

Focuses specifically on a community context.

in the region

Specifies "region" instead of "local scale", useful for geographic contexts.

in a specific area

Uses a more general term "area" instead of "scale", broadening the application.

in this locality

Replaces "scale" with "locality" for a more formal tone.

within city limits

Refers specifically to changes within city limits, instead of the wider 'local scale'.

in smaller communities

Uses a more explicit form of community based context instead of the wider 'local scale'.

in limited areas

Uses 'limited areas' instead of 'local scale' to define a concept.

FAQs

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

Use "on a local scale" to specify that an action, impact, or analysis is limited to a particular area or community. For example, "The project's success was evident "on a local scale", with noticeable improvements in the neighborhood's economy."

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

You can use alternatives like "locally", "at the "local level"", or "within the "community"" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "on a local scale" versus "on a global scale"?

"On a local scale" is appropriate when discussing impacts or changes that are confined to a specific area. Use "on a "global scale"" when discussing worldwide impacts or changes.

Is "on a local scale" interchangeable with "at the local level"?

While similar, "on a local scale" often implies a broader scope than "at the "local level"", which can refer to specific administrative or organizational tiers. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.