serves as a benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serves as a benchmark" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when describing something that can be used as a standard or point of comparison for other things. For example: 1. The company's success in sustainability serves as a benchmark for others in the industry. 2. This study serves as a benchmark for future research in the field. 3. The new legislation will serve as a benchmark for future policies on environmental protection. 4. The CEO's leadership style serves as a benchmark for other executives to follow. 5. The athlete's record-breaking performance serves as a benchmark for future athletes to strive for.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

It then serves as a benchmark for rates paid by consumers and businesses on everything from mortgages to derivatives to student loans.

The New York Times

The Hensarling bill provides a comprehensive and thoughtful proposal for a fully private system that serves as a benchmark in the policy debate.

The New York Times

UBS is one of more than a dozen global banks at the center of a continuing investigation by authorities in the United States and Britain into the manipulation of Libor, which serves as a benchmark to help set the borrowing costs for trillions of dollars of financial products like mortgages, business loans and credit cards.

The New York Times

Considering the biological importance of the Precambrian-Cambrian transition, it is somewhat surprising that the primary impetus for its detailed study came from a project designed to establish a suitable international boundary stratotype (a rock layer that serves as a benchmark of geologic time).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first one includes control variables only and serves as a benchmark.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Linear regression is another utilized method that serves as a benchmark for the other algorithms.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

In Section 5, we consider half-duplex relaying using DSSC which serves as a benchmark.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The other is randomized descent and serves as a benchmark for comparing the results.

International Journal of Production Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

The Economist

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

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serves as a benchmark", clearly define what aspects are being measured against the benchmark to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "serving as a benchmark" if its influence or applicability is limited. Ensure it genuinely provides a relevant and widely accepted standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves as a benchmark" functions as a predicate in sentences, attributing the quality of being a standard for comparison to a subject. It is used to establish that something provides a point of reference, which Ludwig AI confirms through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serves as a benchmark" is a common expression used to indicate that something acts as a standard for comparison or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. The phrase is primarily used in formal and scientific registers to establish clear reference points. When using this phrase, it's important to define clearly what aspects are being measured and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives include "functions as a standard" and "acts as a yardstick", offering subtle variations in meaning. The high frequency and authoritative sources indicate its widespread acceptance and reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functions as a standard

Replaces "benchmark" with "standard" maintaining the core meaning of a reference point.

acts as a yardstick

Uses "yardstick" as a metaphor for a measuring tool, implying a standard for assessment.

provides a baseline

Focuses on the idea of establishing a starting point for comparison.

offers a point of reference

Emphasizes the role of providing a reference for understanding or judging something else.

sets a precedent

Highlights the idea of establishing an example for future actions or decisions.

establishes a criterion

Focuses on setting a specific requirement or principle for evaluation.

forms a basis for comparison

Directly states the function of providing a foundation for comparing different things.

supplies a touchstone

Implies that something is highly regarded and tested and used to assess other things

works as a model

Implies something is ideal, exemplary and worthy of imitation

constitutes a touchstone

Similar to "provides a touchstone" but more emphatic.

FAQs

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

Use "serves as a benchmark" to indicate that something provides a standard for comparison or evaluation. For example, "This study "serves as a benchmark" for future research."

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

You can use alternatives like "functions as a standard", "acts as a yardstick", or "provides a baseline" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "serves as a benchmark" in formal writing?

Yes, "serves as a benchmark" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and business contexts where establishing standards and comparisons is common.

What's the difference between "serves as a benchmark" and "sets a precedent"?

"Serves as a benchmark" implies a standard for comparison, while "sets a precedent" suggests establishing an example for future actions or decisions. They are related but not interchangeable.