set of scales

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set of scales" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a collection of weighing devices or instruments used for measuring weight or mass. Example: "The scientist used a set of scales to accurately measure the weight of the samples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A set of scales he developed for a German company was copied by a Chinese company.

The New York Times - Travel

VERDICT Exquisitely designed and perfectly intuitive, but sadly unusable as a standalone set of scales.

The Guardian - Tech

And inside that was a precise set of scales known as a torsion balance.

The Guardian

Put the cards on a set of scales - I've outlined a downside, what is the upside?

The Guardian - Opinion

She holds a set of scales in one hand; in the other, she holds the whole world.

The Guardian

Justice is often portrayed as holding a set of scales in equilibrium.

The New York Times

Most scales of measure are tailored variations of a generally applicable set of scales.

Competitive Engineering A Handbook for Systems Engineering Requirements Engineering, and Software Engineering Using Planguage

From these conditions a set of scales is derived that define the channel state.

Developments in Earth Surface Processes

Weighing the giraffes, for example, can be challenging when all nine giraffes want to try and step on our one set of scales at once.

The Guardian

He and a part-time worker are using one shovel, a homemade sifter, a cement mixer filled with cleaning fluid and a set of scales.

The New York Times

He has been unable to weigh up the pros and cons of his behaviour; he hasn't had access to the right set of scales.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific instance of weighing, ensure the context clarifies whether you're discussing physical weight or an abstract balance (e.g., "a set of scales in a laboratory" vs. "a set of scales weighing the pros and cons").

Common error

Avoid using "set of scales" literally when you intend to convey a metaphorical balance. Use more appropriate terms like "trade-offs" or "considerations" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set of scales" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use both literally (referring to weighing instruments) and metaphorically (representing balance or judgment).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set of scales" is a versatile term, widely used both literally to refer to weighing instruments and metaphorically to represent balance or judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While "set of scales" enjoys broad applicability, consider alternative terms like "weighing apparatus" or "analytical balance" for enhanced precision in specialized fields. Ensure clarity by differentiating between concrete and abstract uses to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

balance scales

Focuses on the balancing aspect of scales, suitable when equilibrium is emphasized.

weighing apparatus

Replaces "set" and "scales" with more technical terms, emphasizing the device's function.

measuring scales

Highlights the function of measuring, useful in scientific or precise contexts.

weighing machine

A more general term, suitable for everyday contexts.

scale system

Emphasizes that the individual elements work together.

test balance

More technical and is usually used by experts to test mass and density.

analytical balance

Referring to a type of scale used for precise measurements in scientific settings.

postal scale

Highlights the use of the scale for shipping and postage.

spring scale

It's specific to a type of scale that uses a spring to measure weight.

digital scale

This term focuses on the technology that is used to measure the mass of an object.

FAQs

How can I use "set of scales" in a sentence?

You can use "set of scales" when referring to the physical tool used for measuring weight, as in, "The baker used a set of scales to measure the flour". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The jury used a set of scales to weigh the evidence".

What's a more technical term for "set of scales"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "set of scales" include "weighing apparatus", "balance scales" or "measuring scales". These terms often appear in scientific or engineering contexts.

How does the metaphorical use of "set of scales" relate to justice?

The image of Justice holding a set of scales symbolizes impartiality and balance. It represents the careful consideration of evidence and arguments to reach a fair decision.

Is it always appropriate to use "set of scales" literally?

While "set of scales" is grammatically correct, consider whether a more specific term like "digital scale", "postal scale" or "analytical balance" would provide greater clarity and precision.