raise the standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise the standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss a situation where you wish to improve the quality of something. For example, "The department is committed to raising the standard of customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last chancellor to raise the standard rate of income tax was Denis Healey.

The Guardian - Business

How can industrialization raise the standard of living in a country?

The New York Times

When people realise 'no mark [means] no work', it will slowly raise the standard.

The Guardian

Children would raise the standard, but we don't let them in for that reason.

The New York Times - Arts

If upheld, the award could raise the standard among banks for clearing trades.

The New York Times

They also took measures to raise the standard of education of both clerics and the faithful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. and Ms. Popczynski continued to raise the standard, one checkmark at a time, until Peter hit zero consistently.

The New York Times

Mr. Archer's bill would raise the standard deduction for couples so that it is twice that for single taxpayers.

The New York Times

"Therefore we raise the standard for detention" above the one used by the police to detain and question people.

The New York Times

To raise the standard in that part of a capital case, he said, would make convictions impossible.

The New York Times

Congress and the public should watch closely and insist that any changes raise the standard of judicial conduct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "raise the standard" in writing, clearly define the area you intend to improve, whether it's clarity, precision, or depth of analysis. Providing concrete examples of what the improved standard looks like will make your efforts more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "raise the standard" without specifying what standard you're referring to. Vague statements dilute the impact of your message. Always provide context and measurable goals to give your intention more clarity and direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the standard" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies an action aimed at improving or elevating a particular benchmark, level of quality, or expectation. Ludwig shows examples across diverse contexts, supporting its function as an active and purposeful expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raise the standard" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the intent to improve or elevate a particular benchmark or level of quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common usage includes discussions around improving performance, increasing quality, or setting higher expectations. While generally effective, it's important to specify what standard you are referring to in order to avoid vagueness. Synonymous alternatives include "improve the quality" and "elevate the level", offering nuanced ways to express the same core concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve the quality

This alternative focuses on enhancing the inherent characteristics of something to a better state.

elevate the level

This alternative suggests lifting something to a higher position or degree.

enhance the benchmark

This alternative directly refers to improving a specific standard used for comparison.

boost the caliber

This alternative emphasizes increasing the quality or competence of something.

advance the norm

This alternative focuses on pushing forward the generally accepted standard or usual practice.

upgrade the criteria

This alternative directly addresses making the requirements or principles more stringent or of a higher grade.

refine the measure

This alternative suggests making the standard more precise or subtle in its application.

intensify the rigor

This alternative implies increasing the strictness or severity of the standard.

sharpen the edge

This alternative implies a slight transformation of something in order to make it more agile.

advance the expectation

This alternative focuses on promoting the general expectation of the level of quality or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "raise the standard" in a sentence?

You can use "raise the standard" to describe efforts to improve quality, performance, or expectations in a particular area. For example: "The new training program aims to raise the standard of customer service."

What is a synonym for "raise the standard"?

Synonyms for "raise the standard" include phrases like "improve the quality", "elevate the level", or "enhance the benchmark". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "raise the standard" or "increase the standard"?

Both "raise the standard" and "increase the standard" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Raise the standard" might be slightly more idiomatic, but either option is acceptable. Ludwig confirms that both are correct.

How does "raise the standard" differ from "meet the standard"?

"Raise the standard" implies an action to improve or elevate an existing benchmark, while "meet the standard" suggests fulfilling or satisfying a pre-existing requirement. They represent opposite actions in relation to a specific standard.