on a scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on a scale' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate a comparison, measurement, ranking, or rating. For example: "On a scale of 1 to 10, the experience was a 9."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

On a scale from one to one hundred.

The New Yorker

On a scale of one to five!

The Guardian - Tech

Score the world on a scale from one to ten.

The New Yorker

On a scale of one to nine, just how true?

The New Yorker

About eight, on a scale of one to 10.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a scale of one to 10, she hyperventilated.

Huffington Post

"It's like getting on a scale".

The New York Times - Science

He stepped on a scale.

The New York Times

On a scale of C.E.O.

The New York Times - Magazine

Self-driving cars exist on a scale.

The Guardian - Tech

Sensory overload on a scale unlike anything you've ever seen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a scale", ensure the scale is clearly defined to provide context for the reader. For example, specify the range (e.g., "on a scale of 1 to 10") or the criteria being used.

Common error

Avoid using "on a scale" without specifying the scale's parameters. Saying something is "high on a scale" is meaningless unless the scale's range and criteria are understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to provide context for measurement, comparison, or evaluation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in quantifying subjective experiences and objective assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a scale" is a versatile tool for expressing comparison, measurement, and ranking. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase functions adverbially, providing a reference point for understanding magnitude or degree. It appears most frequently in news and media, and its usage spans from formal reports to informal discussions. When using "on a scale", clarity is key: always define the scale being used. Remember, while alternatives like "in proportion" exist, "on a scale" precisely conveys a relative assessment within a defined range.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in proportion

Replaces "on a scale" with a focus on proportional relationship, suitable for contexts emphasizing relative size or degree.

relative to

Indicates a comparison based on a reference point, fitting for scenarios requiring a specific standard.

with respect to

Indicates a specific aspect or factor being considered in the comparison, useful for detailed analyses.

comparatively

Uses an adverb to express comparison directly, suitable for shorter and more direct statements.

by comparison

Offers a simple and direct way to introduce a comparison, suitable for general contexts.

measured against

Emphasizes a quantitative comparison, fitting for scientific or analytical contexts.

in terms of magnitude

Emphasizes the size or extent of something, useful in contexts involving significant impact or importance.

graded according to

Focuses on the grading or ranking aspect, ideal for educational or performance-related contexts.

assessed against

Highlights the evaluation process using a specific criterion, suitable for formal assessments.

considering the extent

Highlights the degree or scope of something, suitable for situations where the magnitude is crucial.

FAQs

How do I use "on a scale" in a sentence?

Use "on a scale" to provide a frame of reference for measuring or evaluating something. For example, "On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with our service?" or "The impact was significant, on a scale rarely seen before."

What can I say instead of "on a scale"?

You can use alternatives like "in proportion", "comparatively", or "relative to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on the scale" instead of "on a scale"?

While "on the scale" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts (e.g., "He stepped on the scale to weigh himself"), it is not interchangeable with "on a scale" when used to indicate a range or measure. "On a scale" implies a relative comparison or assessment.

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

"On a scale" indicates a range or measure for evaluation. "To scale" (/s/to+scale), on the other hand, means proportionally accurate in size. For example, a map drawn "to scale" represents the real world with accurate proportions.