raise the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise the bar" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to do better than what they have previously done, or to challenge someone to make an effort to improve. For example: "Let's raise the bar and see if we can break our sales record this month!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Marines, typically, raise the bar.

The New York Times

"My hope is to raise the bar".

The New York Times

Eccentrics raise the bar on the impossible.

The New York Times

Developments raise the bar downtown.

The New York Times - Travel

He's really trying to raise the bar.

The New York Times

"Once you raise the bar on one, you have to raise the bar on the other.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Catalonia has raised the bar.

The Economist

They raised the bar here.

The New York Times - Sports

Parents again raised the bar.

Columbia University

"We raised the bar," Mr. Casta?dded.

The New York Times

Mr. Yarshater has raised the bar further.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise the bar", ensure it's clear what specific standards or expectations are being elevated. This adds clarity and impact to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "raise the bar" when simply maintaining existing standards. The phrase implies a significant increase, not just meeting current requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the bar" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of setting higher standards or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and generally accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise the bar" is a widely used idiom that signifies setting higher standards or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English, commonly found in news, business, and general contexts. It serves to inspire improvement and challenge existing norms. While versatile, it's essential to use it when a genuine elevation of standards is intended, not just to maintain the status quo. Alternatives such as "set a higher standard" or "improve performance" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific message you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elevate standards

Uses a more formal tone to convey the action of enhancing accepted levels of quality or achievement.

set a higher standard

Focuses on establishing a benchmark rather than the act of increasing it.

step up the game

Highlights the need for increased effort and intensity, but less about the new challenges itself.

increase expectations

Highlights the elevation of anticipated outcomes, differing from the process of improving performance.

improve performance

Centers on enhancing capabilities, rather than specifically setting higher goals.

enhance quality

Concentrates on making something better in terms of its characteristics, rather than overall achievement.

demand more

Stresses the act of requiring greater effort or output, instead of improving existing benchmarks.

challenge to excel

Emphasizes inspiring outstanding performance but it is not strictly related to increasing existing benchmarks.

push the envelope

Suggests exceeding current limits, implying innovation and risk-taking beyond standard improvements.

upgrade criteria

Changes the requirements to a higher level, which may be needed but is not focused on pushing limits.

FAQs

How to use "raise the bar" in a sentence?

You can use "raise the bar" to suggest improving or elevating standards. For example, "This new product will "raise the bar" for the entire industry".

What does "raise the bar" mean?

"Raise the bar" means to set a higher standard or expectation. It often implies that previous standards were not challenging enough.

Which is correct, "raise the bar" or "rise the bar"?

"Raise the bar" is the correct idiom. "Rise the bar" is not a recognized or grammatically sound phrase.

What can I say instead of "raise the bar"?

You can use alternatives like "set a higher standard", "improve performance", or "elevate standards" depending on the context.