scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a range of items that are ordered based on size, quantity, etc. For example, "The scale of achievement was remarkable, with every student earning a perfect score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

Meredydd Hughes, who was chief constable from 2004-11, had told MPs on the home affairs select committee in September that he had "no understanding of the scale and scope of what was going on in Rotherham".

The Guardian

He told the audience that analysts were already predicting that large scale solar power would be "cheaper than coal in China and India within the next five to ten years" and that wind energy was already "at parity with new coal in India".

The Guardian

What Two Days, One Night does so beautifully is distil the economic dilemma of our age down to a human scale.

The Guardian - Film

Only the US – which borrowed massively, restructured its banks and printed money on a historic scale – enjoys anything like a sustainable recovery, and even that's being sustained only by the promise that quantitative easing will go on ad infinitum.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, aid agencies such as Unicef have forged links with foreign producers better able to produce these supplies at the scale, cost and quality required.

The Guardian

In a later email, another promise is given: "If the needs be I will look into it on a bigger scale eg your salary package".

The Guardian - Business

Voters roundly rejected that ambition, with the Kurdish vote in particular swinging the election against the incumbents on an unprecedented scale.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Japan's claim to commercial whaling as a cultural expression is surely a shaky one, since it only began large-scale whaling in the 20th century – but it was taught to them by European whalers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Students began a class boycott last Monday and, galvanised by a city-wide surge in support, staged a large-scale protest outside of the city government headquarters on Friday night.

The Guardian

Industrial-scale US network shows also don't necessarily punch through in the way that a short-run British drama can.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scale" to describe the size of something, ensure you provide a clear reference point for comparison to give the reader a better understanding of the magnitude you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "scale" interchangeably with "scope" or "size" without considering the nuance. "Scale" often implies a system of measurement or a graded range, not just general dimensions.

Linguistic Context

The word "scale" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a system of measurement or relative size. It can also act as a verb, meaning to adjust proportionally or to climb. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scale" is a versatile term used to describe a graded range, a system of measurement, or the act of proportional adjustment. As evidenced by its frequent appearance in sources like The Guardian, Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the term "scale" is widely employed in news, business, and scientific contexts. It's important to be aware of its different uses – as a noun signifying size or a verb indicating proportional change – to avoid ambiguity. While the word itself is grammatically straightforward, using descriptive language to provide context for the "scale" you are referring to improves clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extent

Refers to the range or degree to which something reaches, differing from "scale" in its direct emphasis on scope.

magnitude

Indicates the size or extent of something, often implying importance or impact, unlike "scale" which can be more neutral.

scope

Denotes the breadth or range of something, differing from "scale" by focusing on the area covered rather than relative size.

proportion

Implies a balanced relationship between parts of a whole, whereas "scale" can simply refer to size or gradation.

degree

Refers to the extent or intensity of something, offering a more qualitative assessment compared to the quantitative nature of "scale".

range

Indicates the limits within which something varies, differing from "scale" by focusing on the boundaries rather than the gradation.

spectrum

Suggests a continuous range of possibilities or values, unlike "scale" which can be discrete or continuous.

gradation

Emphasizes the gradual change or progression between levels, unlike "scale" which can simply represent a measurement system.

continuum

Implies a continuous sequence or range without clear divisions, differing from "scale" which often has defined intervals.

calibrate

Means to adjust or standardize a measuring instrument, offering a more specific action compared to the general concept of "scale".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "scale" in a sentence?

Use "scale" to indicate the relative size or extent of something, like "The "scale of the project" was enormous" or to refer to a measuring system, as in "Use a "scale from 1 to 10" to rate your satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to using "scale" in writing?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "extent", "magnitude", "scope", or "proportion".

How does the noun form of "scale" differ from its verb form?

As a noun, "scale" refers to a range of values or a system of measurement. As a verb, "scale" means to adjust proportionally (e.g., "scale up production") or to climb (e.g., "scale a mountain").

When is it appropriate to use "scale" versus "size"?

"Scale" is best used when indicating a graded range or a system of measurement or relative dimension, as it implies an ordered system. "Size" is a more general term referring to physical dimensions or magnitude, without necessarily implying an ordered system. For example "The "size of the room" was small". Whereas "The "scale of the problem" was huge.