set a low bar for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a low bar for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing standards or expectations that are intentionally kept minimal or easy to achieve. Example: "By setting a low bar for performance, the company risks demotivating its employees who strive for excellence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Mrs Brown's Boys d'bacle has set a low bar for this season's TV-to-film cash-ins.

The Guardian - Film

"They set a low bar for Donald Trump, and he banged his head on it," Goolsbee says of Trump's performance in the first debate.

MIT Technology Review

I set a low bar for democratic breakdown: any period of two or more consecutive years of electoral democracy followed by two years or more without electoral democracy.

The Washington Post

At the same time, Afghanistan's backers have made clear that the vote is an Afghan affair, and they have set a low bar for credibility.

The New York Times

These and other buzzy underachievers — often called penalty boxes and worse by owners — set a low bar for the small-car genre in the United States.

The New York Times

The Old World Order obviously set a low bar for going to war, which was convenient during a period of imperial expansion but dangerous when the imperial powers turned on one another.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

(Again, that's setting a low bar: for the most part, over the past eight years, you had to go outside the US to see images of US military or Afghan/Iraqi casualties in these foreign wars).

The Guardian - Opinion

In the quarter currently underway Apple, notorious for setting a low bar with its guidance, expects earnings per share of $4.80 on $23 billion in revenue.

Forbes

Indonesia's plan also set a relatively low bar for moving from fossil fuel to cleaner energy sources, setting a target of just 23% of energy coming from renewable sources by 2030.

The Guardian

Three — Justices John Paul Stevens and Anthony Kennedy and Chief Justice John Roberts — signed a lead opinion that set a disturbingly low bar for what sort of interference with voting the Constitution permits.

The New York Times

"I think they set a very low bar for him to jump over, which of course he's done".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a low bar for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or evaluated against the low standard. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "set a low bar for" when the intention is to encourage high achievement. This phrase implies minimal expectations, which can be demotivating if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a low bar for" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is generally used to describe the act of establishing minimal standards or expectations, often in a way that makes success or achievement relatively easy. Ludwig AI confirms the general correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a low bar for" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of establishing minimal standards or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's often found in news and media contexts, indicating that the standards for something are intentionally easy to achieve. While useful for ensuring initial success, overreliance on low bars can hinder long-term growth. Alternatives include "lower the threshold for" and "reduce expectations for", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower the threshold for

Focuses on reducing the minimum requirement for something to be considered acceptable.

reduce expectations for

Emphasizes the act of diminishing what is anticipated or hoped for.

establish minimal standards for

Highlights the creation of very basic benchmarks or criteria.

create modest expectations for

Stresses the development of unassuming or limited anticipations.

set modest goals for

Focuses on establishing limited objectives or targets.

make it easier for

Highlights facilitating a process or action.

relax the criteria for

Emphasizes lessening the strictness of the conditions required.

diminish the requirements for

Focuses on decreasing what is needed or demanded.

scale down ambitions for

Emphasizes reducing the scope or reach of aspirations.

ease the demands for

Highlights making requests or requirements less burdensome.

FAQs

How can I use "set a low bar for" in a sentence?

You can use "set a low bar for" to describe situations where expectations or standards are intentionally made easy to achieve. For example, "The company "set a low bar for" quarterly profits to ensure they would exceed expectations."

What can I say instead of "set a low bar for"?

You can use alternatives like "lower the threshold for", "reduce expectations for", or "establish minimal standards for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to "set a low bar for" personal goals?

Setting a low bar can be useful for initial motivation, but it's essential to progressively raise the bar to foster growth and achievement. Otherwise, you risk underachieving your potential.

What's the implication of "setting a low bar for" ethical standards?

Setting a low bar for ethical standards can lead to compromised integrity and questionable behavior. It is essential to uphold high ethical standards in personal and professional conduct.