on the scale of

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the scale of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a range, such as a scale of 1 to 10, or a range of emotions, such as a scale of joy to sadness. For example: "On the scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your satisfaction with the product?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"On the scale of one to 10," he wrote, "this is an 11".

The Guardian - Tech

On the scale of one to Altamont, of course, the carnage at Woodstock was small beer.

The Guardian - Music

This on the scale of one to 10 is probably a nine or even a 10.

The Guardian

"Nothing on the scale of this".

The New York Times

That is, it was on the scale of his paintings.

The Guardian

But nothing, perhaps, on the scale of what did.

The Guardian - Film

Where was that on the scale of terrifying?

The Guardian - Film

Latvia has experienced economic collapse on the scale of Greece.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's hardly tax avoidance on the scale of Jimmy Carr.

The Guardian - Money

Mirren's character's dilemma was on the scale of Antigone's.

The Guardian - Film

He did not comment on the scale of the deployment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the scale of", ensure that you provide a clear reference point for comparison. This helps the reader understand the magnitude or extent being described. For example, instead of just saying "a problem on the scale of X", specify what 'X' represents.

Common error

Avoid using "on the scale of" without a clear point of reference. Saying something is "on the scale of a large city" is less effective than saying it's "on the scale of New York City".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the scale of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to establish a comparison in terms of magnitude, size, or extent. It typically introduces a reference point against which something else is measured. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the scale of" is a prepositional phrase used for comparing magnitudes or extents, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to provide context for understanding relative size or importance. Consider the related phrases, like "in terms of magnitude", to convey similar meanings. Remember to clearly define the reference point for comparison when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. By following the best practices and being mindful of common errors, you can effectively use "on the scale of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in terms of magnitude

Focuses on the size or importance of something.

relative to the size of

Emphasizes a comparison to a specific dimension.

in proportion to

Highlights a comparable relationship between two things.

compared to the extent of

Focuses on the degree or scope of something.

in relation to the scope of

Stresses the breadth or reach of something.

regarding the dimensions of

Highlights the physical or abstract extent of something.

considering the magnitude of

Focuses on contemplating the size or impact of something.

assessing the extent of

Highlights the act of evaluating the reach or degree of something.

by way of comparison to

Emphasizes making a likeness between items.

in the realm of

Highlights something being a comparison to what is currently in existence

FAQs

How can I use "on the scale of" in a sentence?

You can use "on the scale of" to compare the size, extent, or impact of something to something else. For example, "The environmental damage was "on the scale of" a major industrial disaster".

What's a good alternative to "on the scale of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "in proportion to", "in terms of magnitude", or "compared to the extent of". For example, instead of "on the scale of", you could say "the project's success was "in proportion to" the effort invested".

Is it better to use "on the scale of" or "on a scale from"?

"On the scale of" is used for comparisons of magnitude or extent, while "on a scale from" is used to indicate a range or rating system. For example, "The disaster was "on the scale of" a tsunami", versus "Rate your satisfaction "on a scale from" 1 to 10".

What does "on the scale of" imply about the thing being described?

It implies that the thing being described is significant, substantial, or noteworthy when compared to the reference point. It often suggests that the thing in question is of considerable size, impact, or importance, similar to or exceeding the reference.