relaxed standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relaxed standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a set of criteria or expectations that are not strictly enforced or are more lenient than usual. Example: "The company has adopted a relaxed standard for dress code during the summer months to promote comfort among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Casts Wide Net Under Relaxed Rules for Terror Inquiries, Data Show" (news article, March 27) suggests that in late 2008, new guidelines created a relaxed standard for certain investigative activity and implies that the "relaxed" standard led to a substantial increase in assessments.

The New York Times

Even under what the court called the Supreme Court's "relaxed" standard for searches in a school setting, the lawfulness of a search depends on whether it was reasonable.

The New York Times

During the collection of the spectra, the participants were comfortably seated in a relaxed, standard semi-reclined position on a dental chair.

BMC Oral Health

Later, Justice Kennedy told Massey's lawyer, Andrew L. Frey, that an apparently more relaxed standard, appearance of bias, might do the trick.

The New York Times

The limits to be unveiled Friday are a slightly more relaxed standard for coal plants than the administration first proposed in April 2012.

The New York Times

The limits unveiled on Friday are a slightly more relaxed standard for coal plants than the administration first proposed in April 2012.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration relaxed standards governing television spots.

The New York Times

They have asserted that the program relaxed standards, thereby increasing the danger of the job.

The New York Times

Although the department has not relaxed standards, it provides physical training for female applicants to improve their test performance.

The New York Times

Already this week, the E.P.A. temporarily relaxed standards for diesel fuel to help Gulf Coast refineries return to normal levels of production and distribution.

The New York Times

As a blogger he had "relaxed" standards as to sources, so people with axes to grind came to him and — voilà!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relaxed standard", ensure the context clearly indicates what the original, stricter standard was. This provides a necessary point of comparison and clarifies the degree of leniency.

Common error

Avoid using "relaxed standard" in highly formal or critical contexts where precision and strict adherence to guidelines are paramount. In such cases, opt for more formal alternatives like "modified criteria" or "adjusted specifications" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relaxed standard" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "relaxed" modifies the noun "standard". It describes a condition or requirement that is less strict or stringent than usual. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase appears in various contexts, reflecting its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relaxed standard" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies a less stringent requirement or expectation. Ludwig AI insights confirm its validity, usage across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Scientific domains. While not exceedingly common, it is deemed correct and valuable for expressing flexibility or leniency. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the original standard to provide adequate context. For formal settings consider "modified criteria".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less stringent criterion

Uses 'less stringent' instead of 'relaxed', focusing on the reduced severity of the criterion.

lenient requirement

Replaces 'standard' with 'requirement', emphasizing a less demanding criterion.

reduced expectation

Focuses on lowering the level of anticipated performance or outcome.

flexible guideline

Substitutes 'standard' with 'guideline', suggesting a more adaptable approach.

looser specification

Indicates a less tight or precise requirement.

easier benchmark

Replaces 'standard' with 'benchmark', indicating a less challenging measure.

more permissive rule

Emphasizes the allowance aspect with 'permissive' instead of 'relaxed'.

accommodating regulation

Substitutes 'standard' with 'regulation', suggesting an adaptable approach to rules.

moderate specification

Indicates a less extreme or intense degree of requirement.

simplified procedure

Suggests that the method or process is made less complicated.

FAQs

What does "relaxed standard" mean?

A "relaxed standard" refers to a rule, requirement, or criterion that is less strict or rigorously enforced than usual. It implies a more lenient or flexible approach.

What are some synonyms for "relaxed standard"?

Alternatives include "lenient requirement", "flexible guideline", or "less stringent criterion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "relaxed standard" in a sentence?

Example: "The company adopted a "relaxed standard" for dress code during the summer months." You can also say "The EPA "relaxed standards" for diesel fuel".

In what situations might a "relaxed standard" be appropriate?

A "relaxed standard" might be suitable in situations where flexibility is needed, such as accommodating individual needs, encouraging participation, or addressing temporary constraints. For example, during collection of the spectra, the participants were comfortably seated in a "relaxed, standard" semi-reclined position on a dental chair.