set a new bar for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a new bar for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when referring to setting a new standard or expectation for something. For example: "This year, our team is striving to set a new bar for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Bloomberg has set a new bar for fund-raising in New York City, as well.

The New York Times

After a summer when New York's subway system set a new bar for dysfunctional infrastructure, and ahead of the release of Donald Trump's long-awaited infrastructure plan, VICE spoke with Dr. Allan Zarembski, a railway civil engineering and safety expert from the University of Delaware, to find out.

Vice

Donovan said: "It's pretty exciting to try and set a new bar for discontinuing something digital.

The Guardian - Tech

President Trump set a new bar for Iranian citizens in his Nowruz message on March 20: regime change.

The New York Times

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S set a new bar for screen quality which the iPad doesn't quite reach.

The Guardian - Tech

With its pointed, mature critique of the notion of free will, BioShock set a new bar for interactive storytelling.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

That impressive trick sets a new bar for the sophistication in malware caught in the wild.

MIT Technology Review

It may not be breaking any new ground or setting a new bar for duets, but I'm really glad it exists.

The New Yorker

"This historic low puts the U.S.'s leadership approval rating on par with China's and sets a new bar for disapproval," Gallup concluded.

The New Yorker

The Pixel C is a viable alternative to an iPad direct from Google and sets a new bar for Android tablets.

The Guardian - Tech

Amazon recently introduced a new $50 Fire tablet (£50 in the UK) that Bezos claimed "sets a new bar for what customers should expect from a low-cost tablet".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "set a new bar for", ensure that you clearly define what specific aspect is being elevated or improved. Providing concrete examples helps to illustrate the magnitude of the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "set a new bar for" when the improvement is incremental or minor. Reserve it for situations where there is a significant and noticeable difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a new bar for" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of establishing a new, higher standard or level of expectation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing needs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set a new bar for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a new, higher standard has been established. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, often used to highlight advancements or recognize achievements. While versatile, it’s important to use it when the improvement is significant and noticeable, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "establish a new benchmark for" and "raise the standard for" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a new benchmark for

Replaces "set a new bar" with "establish a new benchmark", emphasizing a point of reference for evaluation.

raise the standard for

Uses "raise the standard" instead of "set a new bar", highlighting the act of increasing expectations.

redefine expectations for

Focuses on changing what is anticipated or considered normal, using "redefine" instead of "set a new bar".

set a higher standard for

Uses "set a higher standard" which is a more formal way to express setting a new bar.

exceed previous limits in

Highlights surpassing prior constraints or boundaries, rather than establishing a new level.

revolutionize the field of

Implies a complete transformation and sets completely new boundaries in comparison to setting a new bar.

take to a new level

Emphasizes advancement and improvement, rather than specifically setting a standard.

break new ground in

Focuses on innovation and discovery, suggesting pioneering progress.

surpass all expectations in

More centered in surprise and excellence, can imply to "set a new bar for" but with a different purpose.

forge a new path for

Highlights creating a novel direction or approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "set a new bar for" to describe a new standard of excellence. For example, "The company's latest innovation "set a new bar for" industry efficiency."

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

You can use alternatives like "establish a new benchmark for", "raise the standard for", or "redefine expectations for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "set a new bar for" or "set a higher standard for"?

Both phrases are correct and similar in meaning. "Set a higher standard for" is slightly more formal, while "set a new bar for" is more common in everyday language.

What is the difference between "set a new bar for" and "break new ground in"?

"Set a new bar for" implies establishing a new standard of quality or performance, while "break new ground in" suggests pioneering innovation and discovery.