serve as a benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'serve as a benchmark' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a standard or reference point against which something is measured or compared. For example: "We use our customer feedback to serve as a benchmark for future customer service initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These results may serve as a benchmark for future studies.

Composite Structures

These plants can serve as a benchmark for other plants.

Journal of Cleaner Production

But they can still serve as a benchmark for our society's moral progress.

The New York Times

There is no agreement on a uniform "corporate spread" to serve as a benchmark.

The Economist

This exact solution can serve as a benchmark solution for various approximate solutions.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This work may serve as a benchmark for wave propagation in piezoelectric coupled cylindrical shells.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The analytical findings also serve as a benchmark for approximate methods applied to gyroscopic continua.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We also give a centralized algorithm which can serve as a benchmark for comparison purposes.

Ad Hoc Networks

Present findings can serve as a benchmark reference for future analysis and design.

Computers & Structures

Analysts said the new contracts would probably serve as a benchmark for negotiations between other steel makers and coal suppliers.

The New York Times

Second, these measures will serve as a benchmark against which to measure the results of policy interventions in the future.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a benchmark", clearly define what aspects are being measured against it to provide a specific and useful comparison.

Common error

Avoid treating the "benchmark" as an aspirational goal. A "benchmark" is a reference point for comparison, not necessarily something to be achieved. It's important to compare against it, but not consider it an actual goal or measure of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a benchmark" functions as a verb phrase, often used to indicate that something is being used as a standard or point of reference for comparison. As Ludwig examples show, it's used across various fields to establish a basis for evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as a benchmark" is frequently used across diverse fields to denote that something acts as a standard or reference point for comparison. Analysis confirms it’s grammatically correct and widely accepted, as indicated by Ludwig AI. It appears most often in scientific and news contexts, signifying its importance in academic research and objective reporting. Alternatives include "function as a reference point" or "provide a standard for comparison". When using the phrase, ensure to clearly define what is being measured against the benchmark for optimal clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a standard for comparison

Directly states the purpose of offering a basis for evaluating similarities and differences.

function as a reference point

Emphasizes the role of providing a standard for comparison or guidance.

act as a yardstick

Implies a direct and quantifiable measure against which other things are judged.

establish a baseline

Highlights the creation of an initial measurement or state to which future measurements can be compared.

set a precedent

Focuses on establishing an example that can be followed or used as a justification in subsequent situations.

offer a frame of reference

Suggests providing a context or perspective for understanding or judging something.

work as a touchstone

Indicates a reliable standard or criterion by which something is tested or judged.

be an exemplar

Highlights the provision of a perfect or ideal model.

form a model

Indicates that the subject becomes the way to proceed when dealing with future, similar events.

create a template

Focuses on establishing a pattern or prototype for future copies or similar actions.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a benchmark" in a sentence?

You can use "serve as a benchmark" to indicate a standard against which other things are measured or compared. For example, "This study will "serve as a benchmark" for future research on the topic".

What are some alternatives to "serve as a benchmark"?

Alternatives include "function as a reference point", "act as a yardstick", or "provide a standard for comparison", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "serve as a benchmark" or "serve as the benchmark"?

The choice depends on context. "Serve as a benchmark" is used when something is one of many possible benchmarks. "Serve as the benchmark" implies it is the definitive or primary standard.

What does it mean when something "serves as a benchmark"?

It means that thing is being used as a standard or point of reference against which other things can be compared and evaluated. It helps to assess their relative performance or quality.