set a standard

USAGE SUMMARY

"set a standard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to setting a high expectation or criterion for something. For example, "The company has set a high standard of excellence for its customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A private university can set a standard.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now we would never set a standard for anyone.

The New York Times

His integrity set a standard for us all.

The New York Times

"We need to set a standard for our two states".

The Guardian

"My office has set a standard for constituent services".

The New York Times

Set a standard for public and communal discourse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can you set a standard for social impact?

The Guardian

The book set a standard for literary criticism.

The New York Times - Books

They set a standard for the historic preservation movement.

The Washington Post

business futures Can you set a standard for social impact?

The Guardian

Together they set a standard for poor science.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a standard", clarify who or what is setting the standard and what the standard pertains to for maximum clarity. Be specific about the context.

Common error

Ensure that when you use the phrase "set a standard", you aren't merely stating an aspiration. Provide actionable details about how this standard will be achieved and measured to ensure that it has a real and practical impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a standard" functions as a verb phrase that signifies the act of establishing a benchmark or criterion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts to denote establishing expectations or levels of performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a standard" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, signifying the act of establishing a benchmark or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, followed by academia, indicating its relevance across various domains. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify who or what is setting the standard and what the standard pertains to. Alternatives like "establish a benchmark" or "define expectations" can be used depending on the context. In essence, "set a standard" helps shape expectations and drive performance in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a benchmark

Replaces "standard" with "benchmark", emphasizing a point of reference for evaluation.

raise the bar

Suggests increasing expectations and the required level of performance.

lay down a marker

Uses more figurative language to suggest establishing a precedent.

define expectations

Focuses on clarifying what is expected rather than establishing a measure.

institute a norm

Emphasizes the creation of a typical or expected behavior.

formulate a guideline

Implies creating a suggestion or rule to follow, often less strict than a "standard".

determine the criteria

Focuses on specifying the measures used for judgment or decision.

codify best practices

Highlights the formalization of successful and effective methods.

pioneer excellence

Suggests initiating a new high level of quality or performance.

break new ground

Implies innovating and establishing a new level of achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "set a standard" in a sentence?

You can use "set a standard" to describe establishing a level of quality or performance that others should aim for. For instance, "The company aimed to "set a standard" in customer service that competitors would struggle to match."

What phrases can I use instead of "set a standard"?

Alternatives to "set a standard" include "establish a benchmark", "lay down a marker", or "define expectations", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "set a standard"?

Yes, "set a standard" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "set a standard" and "raise the bar"?

"Set a standard" implies establishing a new level of expectation, while "raise the bar" suggests increasing an existing one. The former creates something new, and the latter elevates something that already exists.