set the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

"set the bar" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to establish a standard or level of expectation for something. Example: "The company's latest product has really set the bar for quality and innovation in the industry." This means that the product has exceeded expectations and raised the standards for what is considered good or impressive in the industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

M.J. set the bar.

The New York Times

"We set the bar higher.

The New York Times - Sports

Set the bar low.

Harvard Business Review

Obama health care set the bar".

The New York Times

"They've set the bar really high.

The New York Times - Sports

"We set the bar low," Panek added.

The New Yorker

The group has set the bar high.

The New York Times - Arts

They set the bar very low.

Independent

They set the bar very high.

The New York Times - Sports

Hughes had set the bar.

The New York Times - Sports

We'd set the bar at least there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set the bar", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or expectation is being established. Be specific about the area or skill to which the bar applies.

Common error

Avoid using "set the bar" without providing context. It's important to clarify what the standard applies to, or the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the bar" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of establishing a specific standard or expectation, often with the intent of challenging or inspiring others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to convey the act of establishing a standard or level of expectation for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set the bar" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiom that signifies establishing a standard or level of expectation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English. Its prevalence across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Sports, indicates its versatility and widespread understanding. While its register is generally neutral, its usage aims to inspire excellence or define acceptable quality levels. When using "set the bar", clarity and context are key to ensuring the phrase's intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a high standard

Similar meaning, with emphasis on the standard being high.

raise the standard

Implies increasing an existing standard to a higher level.

set the gold standard

Establishes the highest possible level of excellence or achievement.

establish a benchmark

Focuses on setting a specific point of reference for evaluation.

define expectations

Centers on clarifying what is anticipated or required.

set a precedent

Emphasizes creating an example for future similar situations.

raise the stakes

Indicates increasing the level of risk or challenge involved.

elevate the game

Implies improving performance or quality in a competitive environment.

create a new paradigm

Suggests establishing a fundamentally new way of thinking or doing things.

mark a milestone

Focuses on indicating a significant achievement or turning point.

FAQs

What does it mean to "set the bar"?

To "set the bar" means to establish a standard or level of expectation, often implying a high standard of achievement.

How can I use "set the bar" in a sentence?

You can use "set the bar" to describe establishing a standard, such as, "This project "set the bar" for future innovations."

What are some alternatives to saying "set the bar"?

Alternatives include "raise the standard", "establish a benchmark", or "define expectations" depending on the context.

Is it better to "set the bar" high or low?

Whether to "set the bar" high or low depends on the context. Setting it high can inspire excellence, while setting it low can ensure goals are attainable. For example, when learning a new skill, it's often suggested to "set the bar low" initially to avoid discouragement.