scales

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scales" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that describes weighing devices and can be used in various contexts. For example: "The baker carefully measured out the ingredients on the kitchen scales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Weight Watchers recommends that you weigh yourself once a week, while some dieting sites suggest throwing away your scales so as not to become demoralised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may be that the most serious dieters are the ones who keep hopping on the scales because they like what they see.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pay scales for doctors and dentists are different to the rest of the NHS, and vary according to which country they work in – England, Wales or Scotland.

The Guardian

And before they know it Boxing Day arrives, they have not trained for two weeks, and the scales are showing they have gained an extra five or six pounds.

The Guardian - Sport

Interestingly, as the numbers on the scales have fallen I have sensed a newfound respect and curiosity emerging from my peers.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the officer grabbed his weighing scales, his most expensive piece of equipment, without which he could not conduct any business, the young man broke down.

The Guardian

It scales up to include smart cities – think of connected traffic signals that monitor utility use, or smart bins that signal when they need to be emptied – and industry, with connected sensors for everything from tracking parts to monitoring crops.

The Guardian - Tech

Not only did the wage scales and our standard of living seem to promise riches to the poor immigrant, but the extent and natural wealth of the continent awaiting exploitation offered to Americans of the older stocks such opportunities for rapid fortunes that the making of money and the enjoying of what money could buy too often became our ideal of a full and satisfying life.

The Guardian - Books

"The suggestion that the scales were lifted from our eyes is wrong," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To grasp our place in things requires looking at the smallest and the grandest of scales from the sub­atomic to deep space and beyond.In 2015 the largest scientific instrument in history returns to active service after a major overhaul.

The Economist

Those mechanisms that can plausibly be called into play at larger scales such as the way that transpiration through leaves recycles water to the air, allowing the same moisture to fall as rain repeatedly seem unlikely to apply on Ascension.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to weighing oneself, clarify the type of "scales" you are using (e.g. bathroom scales, digital scales) for better precision.

Common error

Be mindful of the context: "scale" (singular) refers to a single device or a system of measurement, while "scales" (plural) generally refers to multiple devices or, sometimes, the concept of balance (e.g. "tipping the scales").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scales" is as a plural noun. It commonly refers to weighing instruments or ordered series. As Ludwig AI suggests, the term is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scales" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting weighing instruments, ordered series, or the concept of balance. Its usage spans from neutral to formal registers and appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, noting that its meaning shifts based on the context. When writing, it's crucial to consider the specific context and clarify the type of "scales" being referenced to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighing machines

Focuses specifically on the mechanical aspect of measuring weight, similar to one sense of "scales".

weighing devices

A broader term encompassing various tools used for measuring weight.

balance scales

Specifies a particular type of scale that uses a balance mechanism.

graduated series

Emphasizes the ordered and incremental nature of a scale in a more abstract sense.

ordered progressions

Highlights the step-by-step progression inherent in a scale, suitable for musical or abstract contexts.

salary brackets

Refers specifically to pay scales or ranges of compensation.

pay grades

Similar to salary brackets but with a focus on hierarchical levels.

ranges of measurement

Focuses on the span or scope that the scales cover in measuring.

relative extents

Indicates comparative magnitudes or degrees, related to scaling concepts.

series of gradations

Highlights the gradual changes or steps within a scale, emphasizing fine distinctions.

FAQs

How can I use "scales" in a sentence about weight?

You can say, "The patient uses the bathroom "scales" every morning to monitor their weight" or "The recipe requires precise measurements, so use kitchen "scales" for accuracy".

What are some alternative words for "scales" when referring to weighing devices?

Instead of "scales", you could use "weighing machines", "weighing devices", or, more specifically, "balance scales" if referring to that type.

How does the meaning of "scales" change in different contexts?

"Scales" can refer to instruments for weighing, ordered series like musical scales, or even the flaky coverings of fish or reptiles. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

What's the difference between "scales" and "balances"?

"Scales" generally refer to weighing instruments, while "balances" often imply a state of equilibrium or fairness, such as "the balances of power". While some scales are balances, not all references to balances involve weighing instruments.