out of scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is disproportionate or not in alignment with a given standard or measurement. Example: "The statue looked out of scale compared to the surrounding buildings, making it appear even more imposing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But even in this expurgated version Moore's criticisms were severe: the story was "out of hand"; Stuart was always "staggering out of scale".

The New Yorker

Out of scale.

The New Yorker

They are out of scale".

The New York Times

Everything seemed out of scale.

The New York Times - Food

"It seems totally out of scale," Mr. Davis said.

The New York Times

"However, it was tremendously out of scale with the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The eye is bizarre, out-of-scale, comical, uncanny.

The New York Times - Arts

"They came forward with this out-of-scale building," State Senator Tom Duane said.

The New York Times

The people in the out-of-scale illustrations resemble many of the popular plastic toys children play with.

The New York Times - Books

"Nearly everybody is in agreement that something has to be done to stop out-of-scale properties," said Mark Nadler, owner of Centennial Realty in Scarsdale.

The New York Times

But for some locals it's part of the out-of-scale corporate sheen that threatens the spirit of their leafy borough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of scale" to describe non-physical concepts, ensure there's a clear reference point for comparison. For example: "The company's debt became "out of scale" with its actual earnings, leading to financial difficulties."

Common error

Avoid using "out of scale" without specifying what the subject is disproportionate to. Saying "The project is "out of scale"" lacks context. Instead, clarify: "The project is "out of scale" with our current resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of scale" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of proportion or harmony. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical dimensions (buildings, objects) and abstract concepts (debt, emotions).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of scale" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something disproportionate or lacking harmony. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, where it's used to critique everything from architectural designs to economic policies. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is "out of scale" with. Alternatives like "disproportionate" or "unbalanced" can offer nuanced expressions, but "out of scale" remains a reliable choice for conveying a sense of imbalance or incongruity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disproportionate

Focuses on the imbalance in size or degree between elements.

unbalanced

Highlights the lack of equilibrium or harmony.

inordinate

Emphasizes an excessive or unreasonable amount.

excessive

Stresses that something goes beyond acceptable limits.

unwieldy

Suggests something is too large or difficult to manage.

overblown

Implies something is exaggerated or inflated.

lopsided

Conveys a lack of symmetry or evenness.

uneven

Highlights a lack of uniformity or consistency.

irregular

Indicates a deviation from the norm or standard.

asymmetrical

Specifically refers to a lack of symmetry.

FAQs

How can I use "out of scale" in a sentence?

You can use "out of scale" to describe something disproportionate or not in alignment with a given standard or measurement. For example: "The statue looked "out of scale" compared to the surrounding buildings, making it appear even more imposing."

What are some alternatives to "out of scale"?

You can use alternatives like "disproportionate", "unbalanced", or "inordinate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "out of scale"?

It is appropriate to use "out of scale" when you want to convey that something is not in proportion or harmony with something else. This can apply to physical objects, ideas, or situations.

How does "out of scale" differ from "out of proportion"?

"Out of scale" and "out of proportion" are very similar. However, "out of scale" often refers to size or magnitude, while "out of proportion" can also refer to the significance or importance of something. In many cases, they can be used interchangeably.