set the standard for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set the standard for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing benchmarks or criteria that establish a level of quality or performance in a particular field or context. Example: "The company's innovative approach to customer service has set the standard for excellence in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The military created a demand for mechanization & standardization & even set the standard for uniformit itself.

The New Yorker

You set the standard for us all.

The New York Times

He set the standard for me.

The Guardian - Books

Their research set the standard for the procedure.

The New Yorker

Those teams set the standard for all future dynasties.

The New York Times - Sports

But Isabelle Steinhauer set the standard for holiday cookies.

The New York Times

Cliggott Publishing set the standard for editorial integrity and excellence.

The New York Times

VIOLENCE -- "Saving Private Ryan" set the standard for combat gore.

The New York Times

His swim set the standard for the rest of us".

The New York Times - Sports

The Mona Lisa set the standard for all future portraits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In that time it set the standard for bad government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set the standard for", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is being used as a benchmark. Be specific about what qualities or achievements define this standard.

Common error

Avoid using "set the standard for" when the subject's influence is limited or regional. Reserve this phrase for truly groundbreaking or widely recognized achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the standard for" functions as a verb phrase that establishes a benchmark or level of excellence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. The examples show its use in various contexts, from defining norms to praising individual achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set the standard for" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the establishment of a benchmark or level of excellence. As Ludwig AI verifies, it’s widely accepted. It commonly appears in news and media, as well as academic contexts. The phrase serves to highlight exemplary achievements and inspire emulation, and its register adapts to suit formal, neutral, and professional communication styles. Related phrases include "establish the benchmark for" and "raise the bar for", each offering subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies the qualities or achievements that define the standard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the benchmark for

Replaces "set" with "establish" and "standard" with "benchmark", maintaining the core meaning but using slightly more formal vocabulary.

be the gold standard for

Highlights the phrase refers to something considered the best or most exemplary in a particular field.

define the criteria for

Focuses on specifying the requirements or principles used to judge something, rather than setting a general standard.

raise the bar for

Suggests increasing the level of expectation or performance required.

establish a precedent for

Implies setting an example or model that will be followed in similar situations.

pave the way for

Implies creating opportunities or making it easier for others to follow, rather than explicitly setting a standard of performance.

lay the foundation for

Emphasizes building a base for future developments, rather than setting a current level of expectation.

mark a high point for

Highlights the phrase refers to something as an important achievement and a model for the future.

determine the norms for

Focuses on the typical behaviours that people are expected to have in a specific situation.

create a reference point for

Implies that something serve as a base for comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "set the standard for" to indicate that someone or something has established a benchmark or level of excellence that others should aspire to. For example, "This company "set the standard for" customer service in the industry".

What are some alternatives to "set the standard for"?

Alternatives include "establish the benchmark for", "define the criteria for", or "raise the bar for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "set the standard for" or "set a standard for"?

Both ""set the standard for"" and "set a standard for" are grammatically correct, but ""set the standard for"" implies a more widely recognized or industry-wide benchmark.

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

"Set the standard for" implies creating a new benchmark, while ""raise the bar for"" suggests increasing an existing standard to a higher level.