rigid standard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rigid standard" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a set of criteria that is very strict and inflexible. For example, "This school has a rigid standard for student performance that is very difficult to meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Legal

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"There is no rigid standard.

The New York Times

Democrats complained that the canvassing board had adopted a rigid standard.

The New York Times

What emerged is that when it comes to judging an officer's actions and punishing behavior seemingly at odds with departmental procedures or guidelines, no rigid standard exists.

The New York Times

In 2008, Gottlieb wrote that FDA was pursuing a "rigid standard" and that "doctors should be trusted to properly weigh" various sources of information about drugs.

The Washington Post

The final decision on reenrollment is not based on any rigid standard for grades, but on the Department's overall evaluation of a student's promise and work.

Princeton University

There is already some evidence of a shift toward a less rigid standard of statistical objectivity that allows better use of indirect evidence.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

There are rigid standards regarding water and natural preservation.

The New York Times

To recognize that to succeed in public life demands accepting the public's often rigid standards?

The New York Times

About this time much more rigid standards of religious orthodoxy and conformity were imposed.

Britannica

Users conform to its rigid standards, and Facebook conforms to nothing or no one else.

Harvard Business Review

But Mr. Levin defended the reporting, saying TMZ "has the same rigid standards as any operation in America".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rigid standard", ensure the context clearly illustrates the inflexibility or strictness of the standard being described. For example, specify the consequences of not meeting the "rigid standard" to emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "rigid standard" in informal or casual writing. The phrase carries a formal tone and might sound unnatural in contexts where flexibility and leniency are expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rigid standard" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "rigid" modifies "standard". It describes a fixed and inflexible measure, rule, or guideline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rigid standard" describes an inflexible or strict rule, measure, or guideline. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, noting its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, the phrase is best suited for formal or neutral settings, as overuse in informal contexts can sound unnatural. When using "rigid standard", ensure the context clearly indicates the strictness and potential consequences associated with it. Alternatives such as "stringent criterion" or "inflexible guideline" can provide nuanced variations, and understanding these subtleties will strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict criterion

Replaces "standard" with "criterion", emphasizing a rule or principle used for judgment.

inflexible guideline

Substitutes "rigid" with "inflexible" and "standard" with "guideline", highlighting the lack of adaptability.

firm requirement

Uses "firm" to convey the solidity and unyielding nature of the requirement.

stringent measure

Employs "stringent" and "measure" to stress the severity and the formal application of the standard.

uncompromising regulation

Replaces the original phrase with words indicating an unwillingness to make concessions.

fixed rule

Highlights that the rule can’t be adjusted or changed.

hard and fast rule

Uses an idiom to emphasize that the rule is strict and cannot be broken.

prescriptive norm

Indicates that the standard provides explicit instructions or rules on what should be done.

demanding specification

Replaces "standard" with a word meaning precise requirement, and highlights the difficulty of satisfying it.

set parameter

Uses "parameter" to suggest a defined limit or boundary that cannot be altered.

FAQs

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

You can use "rigid standard" to describe strict requirements or expectations, such as, "The company maintains a "rigid standard" for quality control".

What is a more formal alternative to "rigid standard"?

Alternatives include "stringent criterion", "inflexible guideline", or "uncompromising regulation", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "rigid standard" or "strict standard"?

"Rigid standard" and "strict standard" are often interchangeable, but "rigid" emphasizes inflexibility, while "strict" emphasizes adherence to rules. Choose the word that best fits the context.

When should I avoid using the phrase "rigid standard"?

Avoid using "rigid standard" in contexts where flexibility or adaptability is valued. In such cases, consider using terms like "flexible approach" or "adaptive method" instead.