setting a new benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting a new benchmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to establishing a standard or point of reference that is considered superior or exemplary in a particular field or context. Example: "The company's innovative approach to sustainability is setting a new benchmark for the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But Mr. Corzine and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani of New York, who also filed financial disclosures, appear to be setting a new benchmark in campaign finance.

The New York Times

Their 2004 report on nanotechnologies covered a range of opportunities and uncertainties, setting a new benchmark for thoughtful technology assessment.

The Guardian

But a group of friends from England are setting a new benchmark, pushing their own health and fitness to the limit to help those less fortunate than themselves.

The New York Times

In addition to setting a new benchmark price, the sale signalled Warhol's canonisation.In an oeuvre so vast, what makes one Warhol more valuable than others?

The Economist

Leicester fondly imagined they had a good side but Brive left vapour trails all over the pitch, setting a new benchmark for the newly professional club game.

The Guardian - Sport

The former Juventus playmaker has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Toronto FC in January 2015, setting a new benchmark for big money, big name Designated Players.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But donations on this scale are rare in New Zealand education and Mr Glenn's gift sets a new benchmark for this country". The dean of the business school, Barry Spicer, described Mr Glenn as an "inspiration to young entrepreneurs".

The Guardian

Each morning, it sets a new benchmark, often stronger.

The Economist

"They are trying to set a new benchmark - they can't hold that benchmark themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-rights groups predicted that it would set a "new benchmark".

The Economist

Hyperactive and loud, he has set a new benchmark for governing by Twitter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting a new benchmark", ensure that you clearly define what aspect is being measured and how the new benchmark surpasses previous standards. Provide context to illustrate the significance of this achievement.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "setting a new benchmark" without providing specific evidence or metrics to support the claim. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact, so reserve it for genuinely exceptional achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting a new benchmark" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the action of establishing a new standard of excellence or high achievement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting a new benchmark" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the establishment of a new, higher standard of excellence or performance. According to Ludwig, this expression is usable in written English. It is employed across various contexts, including news, science, and business, to highlight significant progress or innovation. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional, it avoids overly casual language. It is crucial to use this phrase judiciously and support claims with concrete evidence to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing a new standard

Focuses on the act of creating a new point of reference for evaluation, shifting the emphasis from measurement to creation.

raising the bar

Implies increasing the difficulty or quality required to succeed, often in a competitive environment.

establishing a gold standard

Highlights the creation of a point of reference that is the best possible quality.

defining a new paradigm

Suggests a fundamental shift in thinking or approach, indicating a more significant and transformative change.

setting a precedent

Highlights the creation of an example or rule that will be followed in similar situations in the future.

blazing a trail

Emphasizes innovation and pioneering work, implying the creation of a new path for others to follow.

breaking new ground

Focuses on achieving something that has not been done before, emphasizing innovation and discovery.

charting a new course

Suggests a change in direction or strategy, indicating a deliberate move away from previous methods.

setting the pace

Implies leading the way in terms of speed or performance, influencing the actions of others.

raising the watermark

Indicates an advance on the minimum level of something.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something is "setting a new benchmark"?

It means that something is establishing a new, higher standard of quality or performance that others will now be measured against. It implies excellence and innovation.

How can I use "setting a new benchmark" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an achievement, product, or process that surpasses previous standards. For example: "The company's latest product is "setting a new benchmark" for energy efficiency."

What can I say instead of "setting a new benchmark"?

You can use alternatives like "raising the bar", "establishing a new standard", or "defining a new paradigm", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "setting a new benchmark" or "raising a benchmark"?

"Setting a new benchmark" is the more common and grammatically sound phrase. "Raising a benchmark" is less conventional; "raising the bar" is a more idiomatic alternative.