provide a benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'provide a benchmark' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used when you need to compare things to a specific standard or example in order to measure progress or success. For example, "We need to provide a benchmark for our customer satisfaction scores so that we can measure our progress over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their securities provide a benchmark for corporate bonds, allowing companies to borrow for longer periods.

The Economist

And they could provide a benchmark for determining when the judgments of our moral sense are aligned with morality itself.

The New York Times

But determining a fair price would be difficult without a number of interested buyers to provide a benchmark.

The Guardian - Business

Getting a genetic snapshot of bacteria populating humans today would provide a benchmark for tracking further degradation and resulting disorders.

The New York Times - Health

The lawyers had done this on the theory that since Mr. Smith's injuries were among the worst, he might provide a benchmark for other awards.

The New York Times

"We record and monitor all injuries and fatalities that occur on the racecourse to provide a benchmark from which the industry continually strives to reduce injury rates.

The Guardian - Sport

The Abu Dhabi transaction could also provide a benchmark valuation if Carlyle should follow its rivals, the Blackstone Group and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and pursue an initial offering.

The New York Times

India's open standards may change this; its performance reports provide a benchmark for accuracy and inclusion that can be used by other countries.

The Guardian

Short-term government bills are used to grease the wheels for many financial transactions and provide a benchmark from which other assets are priced.

The New York Times

They provide a benchmark for potential adopters of SECaaS.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

"This study will provide a benchmark figure for future studies," the spokesperson said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports or analyses, state explicitly how the benchmark was established and its limitations, maintaining transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using benchmarks that are too broad or not specific to the context. A vague benchmark offers little value for meaningful comparison or improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a benchmark" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the action of establishing a standard or reference point. It is often used to introduce a basis for comparison or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide a benchmark" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies establishing a standard for comparison or evaluation. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in scientific, news, and business contexts. Related phrases such as "establish a standard" or "create a yardstick" offer similar meanings, while specific writing guidance emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the benchmark and avoiding overgeneralization. The usage patterns highlight its prevalence in academic and professional settings, underscoring its utility in facilitating objective assessments and improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a standard

Focuses on setting an official or recognized level of quality or attainment.

create a yardstick

Emphasizes measurement and evaluation against a specific criterion.

set a precedent

Highlights establishing an example for future similar cases or situations.

offer a point of comparison

Directly indicates the purpose of allowing something to be compared with others.

supply a reference point

Stresses the role of offering a specific point for orientation or assessment.

lay down a marker

Suggests defining a position or achievement against which others can be judged.

give a baseline

Emphasizes establishing a foundational measurement for future changes or improvements.

develop a touchstone

Indicates creating something against which the quality or genuineness of something else can be tested.

formulate a model

Focuses on creating a representation or pattern to be followed or emulated.

define a criterion

Highlights setting a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.

FAQs

How can I use "provide a benchmark" in a sentence?

You can use "provide a benchmark" to indicate the establishment of a standard for comparison, as in "This study will "provide a benchmark" for future research".

What are some alternatives to "provide a benchmark"?

Alternatives include phrases like "establish a standard", "create a yardstick", or "set a precedent", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "provide a benchmark" or "establish a benchmark"?

Both "provide a benchmark" and "establish a benchmark" are correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "provide" suggests offering something, while "establish" implies creating or setting up something new.

What does it mean to "provide a benchmark" in a business context?

In business, to "provide a benchmark" means to set a standard of performance or quality against which others can be measured. It helps in evaluating and improving business processes and outcomes.