on what scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"on what scale" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking someone to measure or qualify something in terms of a particular scale or range of values. For example: "On what scale are you measuring success?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's just on what scale you do it".

The New York Times

(On what scale, you ask? We never learn).

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no doubt that these phenomena occur; the question is on what scale.

The New Yorker

We should certainly build on hope -- but hope on what scale?

The New York Times

"He could tell what is being planned, on what scale, who is involved and where they are.

The New York Times

Over the coming years, major decisions will be made that will determine whether commercial extraction of shale gas will take place in the UK, how and on what scale.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The key questions of this paper are therefore: a) what are the drivers behind success or failure of a service-based sanitation system in informal settlements and b) on what scales and under which conditions can such a system operate successfully?

Water Research

It will be interesting to see what other tools the Polargraph is capable of using, and on what scales.

Vice

Training institution staff members were asked to report on what scale-up student enrollment targets were feasible and were then led through an operational planning process to determine the key actions and investments necessary to accomplish these targets and the associated timeframe.

Human Resources for Health

Sir David said it was "too early" to tell on what sort of scale these approaches would be needed although he said in all likelihood they would only happen in a minority of cases.

BBC

If, how, and on what time scale this will lead to practical applications cannot be answered at this time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on what scale" when you need to understand the magnitude, extent, or scope of something. It is especially useful when comparing different scenarios or assessing the impact of events.

Common error

Avoid using "on what scale" when you actually mean "what type". "Scale" refers to size or extent, not category. For example, ask "What type of data do you need?" instead of "On what scale of data do you need?" if you are asking about the kind of data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what scale" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the magnitude, scope, or extent of something. It prompts a response that quantifies or qualifies the size or impact under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on what scale" serves as a versatile interrogative tool to question the magnitude or extent of something. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and common in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific discussions, and general discourse. When writing, it's best to use it when you specifically need to know the size, scope, or impact of an event or activity, avoiding its use when inquiring about the type or category. For alternatives, "to what extent", "to what degree", and "in what magnitude" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Ludwig's examples confirm its broad applicability and proper usage across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to what extent

Focuses on the degree or range to which something happens or is the case.

to what degree

Similar to "to what extent", but emphasizes the intensity or level.

in what magnitude

Highlights the size or importance of something.

in what proportion

Emphasizes the relative amount or ratio.

at what level

Asks about the specific tier or stage.

to what measure

Inquires about the quantity or amount.

how significantly

Focuses on the impact or importance.

how extensively

Highlights the broadness or comprehensiveness.

how deeply

Asks about the intensity or profoundness.

to what volume

Concerns quantity or amount of something.

FAQs

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

Use "on what scale" to inquire about the extent or magnitude of something. For example, "On what scale will the project be implemented?" or "On what scale do you think the changes will affect the company?"

What's a good alternative to "on what scale"?

Consider using phrases like "to what extent", "to what degree", or "in what magnitude" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "at what scale" instead of "on what scale"?

While "at what level" might be suitable in some contexts, "on what scale" is generally preferred when specifically inquiring about the size, scope, or extent of something. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the meaning of "on what scale" differ from "what is the scale of"?

"On what scale" is more direct and conversational, while "what is the scale of" is slightly more formal. Both inquire about the magnitude or extent, but the former is often preferred in less formal settings.