set a benchmark for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a benchmark for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing standards or points of reference that are established for comparison or evaluation in various contexts, such as business, education, or research. Example: "The new policy aims to set a benchmark for employee performance across the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He set a benchmark for the rest of us.

The New York Times

Toyota has already set a benchmark for low emissions and fuel economy.

The New York Times

The prosecution praised the sentences, saying they set a benchmark for future cases of "ethnic cleansing".

The New York Times

Conceived as a "world court", its mission is to set a benchmark for global justice.

The Guardian

Mandela set a benchmark for statesmanship against which all others have been measured.

The Guardian

It set a benchmark for future dialogue in this election and for our delegates to the now and future Congress.

The New York Times

We hope it will create a new form of interactive entertainment that will set a benchmark for the future.

The Guardian - Tech

First Nations Legal and Research Services lawyer Dan Kelly said he hoped it would set a benchmark for future settlements.

The Guardian

Chairman Alistair McGeorge and his team have set a benchmark for how to respond to the storm engulfing the industry.

The Washington Post

The offering, which is expected as early as November, will set a benchmark for the stock's value.

The New York Times

It also helped to set a benchmark for newspapers throughout Britain, where obituaries are now far more irreverent, more editorial and more prurient than their American counterparts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set a benchmark for" to introduce innovative practices or standards that can serve as a model for others in your field or industry. For instance: "This project is intended to "set a benchmark for" sustainable development in urban areas".

Common error

Avoid stating that something "sets a benchmark for" without providing specific details about what makes it exemplary or how it surpasses existing standards. Without this context, the phrase loses its impact and appears as unsubstantiated claim. Instead, follow the phrase with the reasons why a benchmark is being set, for example: "The company's new policy "set a benchmark for" employee well-being due to its comprehensive health benefits and flexible work arrangements."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a benchmark for" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate the establishment of a standard or reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and accepted expression. The phrase is used to suggest that something serves as a model for future comparisons or evaluations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a benchmark for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies establishing a standard or reference point. Ludwig AI validates its wide acceptance across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. This expression frequently aims to define a level of quality or performance that others can be measured against. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to substantiate claims by providing specific details on what makes a particular standard exemplary. Alternatives such as "establish a standard for", "create a reference point for", and "define a criterion for" can provide nuance, but "set a benchmark for" remains a direct and widely understood way to express the creation of an evaluative standard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a standard for

Focuses on the act of creating a standard, emphasizing the process of setting up the criteria.

create a reference point for

Highlights the creation of a point for comparison, useful in evaluations.

define a criterion for

Emphasizes the definition of specific requirements or rules.

lay the foundation for

Stresses the creation of a base or starting point for future development.

set the bar for

Idiomatic expression indicating the establishment of a high standard.

set a standard of excellence for

Emphasizes high-quality standards.

forge a path for

Implies creating a new way or direction.

break new ground for

Highlights innovation and pioneering efforts.

pave the way for

Suggests preparing a situation for something to happen.

mark a milestone for

Signifies a significant achievement or turning point.

FAQs

How can I use "set a benchmark for" in a sentence?

You can use "set a benchmark for" to describe the act of establishing a standard or point of reference against which other things can be compared. For example, "This project aims to "set a benchmark for" sustainable development".

What can I say instead of "set a benchmark for"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a standard for", "create a reference point for", or "define a criterion for" depending on the context.

Is it better to "set a benchmark for" or "establish a precedent for"?

"Set a benchmark for" implies setting a standard for comparison, while "establish a precedent for" means setting an example that will likely be followed in similar situations. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing comparison or future action.

What is the difference between "set a benchmark for" and "set a goal for"?

"Set a benchmark for" is about creating a point of reference or standard, whereas "set a goal for" is about defining a specific target to be achieved. Benchmarks are used for comparison, while goals are used for direction and motivation.