served as a benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "served as a benchmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a standard or point of reference against which other things can be measured or compared. Example: "The study served as a benchmark for future research in the field of environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This deal has served as a benchmark for leisurely talks involving 60 other native groups.

The Economist

The BPI, or Buying Power Index, was a hypothetical figure that served as a benchmark against which sales performance could be measured.

The New Yorker

Initially, it served as a benchmark for acceptance of charging for the majority of the sample, and was connected to the constructs "independency", "flexibility" and "availability".

European Transport Research Review

In addition, although PRESENT with the nature of compact hardware implementation is usually served as a benchmark for newer hardware-oriented lightweight ciphers, the software performance combined with avalanche effect is inadequate when it is implemented.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Indeed, their study served as a benchmark for assessing the validity of numerical methods or two-dimensional theories used to analysis of laminated curved panels (Tahouneh and Naei 2016a, b).

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

The proposed semi-analytical solution may be served as a benchmark one for validating the coupled numerical solutions, which can be used to deal with real scientific and geo-engineering problems in the emerging field of computational geomechanics.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

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

The Economist

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

The New York Times

But any number of things may have precipitated his death, each serving as a benchmark of his downfall.

The New York Times

The institute, an independent organization, did a study in 1998 that still serves as a benchmark for environmentalists.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "served as a benchmark" when you want to show how the subject being compared to is superior over its competitors.

Common error

Avoid using "served as a benchmark" when you actually mean that something is a goal to be achieved, rather than a point of reference for comparison. Benchmarks are for measuring against, while goals are for striving towards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "served as a benchmark" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the role or purpose of a subject within a sentence. It indicates that the subject is being used as a standard for comparison, evaluation, or reference, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "served as a benchmark" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something functions as a standard for comparison. Ludwig confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining what aspects are being measured against the benchmark. Consider alternatives like "functioned as a standard" or "acted as a reference point" to add variety to your writing. Avoid confusing benchmarks with goals, as benchmarks are reference points for measuring against, while goals are targets to be achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioned as a standard

Changes the verb and noun while maintaining the meaning of a point of comparison.

acted as a reference point

Replaces "benchmark" with "reference point", providing a slightly more descriptive alternative.

set a precedent

Focuses on the idea of establishing a standard for future actions or decisions.

provided a baseline

Emphasizes the idea of establishing an initial measurement for comparison.

established a criterion

Highlights the creation of a rule or principle used for judging something.

created a yardstick

Uses a more figurative term, "yardstick", to represent a standard of measurement.

offered a touchstone

Implies that something is being used as a test of quality or genuineness.

became the gold standard

Suggests that something has become the ultimate and most respected benchmark.

represented the norm

Conveys the idea of something being typical or usual, thus a point of comparison.

provided a comparative framework

Emphasizes the role of providing a structured approach to making comparisons.

FAQs

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

You can use "served as a benchmark" to indicate that something provides a standard for comparison. For example, "The study "served as a benchmark" for future research".

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

Alternatives include "functioned as a standard", "acted as a reference point", or "provided a baseline", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "served as a benchmark" or "set a precedent"?

The choice depends on the context. "Served as a benchmark" implies a standard for comparison, while "set a precedent" implies establishing a standard for future actions or decisions.

What's the difference between "provided a baseline" and "served as a benchmark"?

"Provided a baseline" emphasizes establishing an initial measurement for comparison, while "served as a benchmark" is a broader term for any standard used for comparison.