reduce the standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce the standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of lowering criteria or expectations in a particular context, such as quality, performance, or requirements. Example: "In order to accommodate more participants, we may need to reduce the standard for entry into the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It also wants to raise income tax and reduce the standard working week to 35 hours.

The Economist

Such a theory would reduce the standard model, too, to an engineer's approximation.

The Economist

In fact, some Scandinavian companies that have moved to reduce the standard working day from eight hours have reported increased levels of loyalty, motivation and innovation.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think the idea is very good, and it helps reduce the standard of poverty because those women that would be sitting at home will be having something to do".

The Guardian

A main complaint of the unions is the decision, ratified by the Greek cabinet on Tuesday, to reduce the standard minimum wage of 751 euros a month by 22 percent, retroactive to Feb. 14.

The New York Times

Dr. Engelman said the proposal called for salary increases of 2percentt in the first year and 4percentt in each of the following two years, and would reduce the standard faculty workload from four courses a semester to three, beginning a year from now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said the cuts to space "will reduce the standards of learning in our schools and damage the working environment.

The Guardian

Using this method will not reduce the standards of your black belts, but will dramatically increase the numbers that achieve this standard.

WikiHow

Denis Healey, the former Labour chancellor, reduced the standard rate to 8% in 1974.

The Guardian

But a lot of pro-sustainability efforts are still possible in America without reducing the standard of living.

The New York Times - Science

Using an auction reduces the standard role of underwriters, but they're still needed to liaise with investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce the standard", ensure the context clearly explains why the standard is being reduced. Provide justification or expected outcomes to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the standard" without explaining the rationale. Failing to provide context can lead to perceptions of lowered quality or compromised values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the standard" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of lowering or diminishing a specific benchmark, criterion, or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce the standard" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of lowering a specific requirement or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, including science, news, and formal settings. While it's important to consider the potential implications of lowering standards, the phrase itself is a neutral way to describe this action. Consider using alternatives like "lower the standard" or "decrease the standard" for subtle differences in meaning, and always provide clear justification when using the phrase to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower the standard

Changes the verb to 'lower', offering a direct synonym for 'reduce'.

decrease the standard

Uses 'decrease' instead of 'reduce', providing a slightly different nuance.

diminish the standard

Replaces 'reduce' with 'diminish', suggesting a gradual decrease.

relax the standard

Implies making the standard less strict or rigorous.

ease the standard

Similar to 'relax', suggesting a less burdensome standard.

weaken the standard

Indicates a reduction in the strength or rigor of the standard.

downgrade the standard

Suggests a formal reduction in the level or rank of the standard.

scale down the standard

Implies reducing the size or scope of the standard.

bring down the standard

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the act of lowering the standard.

compromise the standard

Indicates that the standard is being altered, often negatively, due to a negotiation or settlement.

FAQs

What does "reduce the standard" mean?

The phrase "reduce the standard" means to lower the requirements, expectations, or level of quality that is considered acceptable or normal for a particular situation.

When is it appropriate to "reduce the standard"?

It might be appropriate to "reduce the standard" when facing resource constraints, when aiming for broader accessibility, or when adapting to new circumstances. However, it's crucial to consider the potential consequences on quality and outcomes.

What are some alternatives to "reduce the standard"?

You can use alternatives like "lower the standard", "decrease the standard", or "relax the standard" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What are the potential negative implications of "reduce the standard"?

"Reducing the standard" can sometimes lead to decreased quality, lower performance, or a perception of compromised values. It's essential to weigh these potential drawbacks against the intended benefits.