setting new standards

USAGE SUMMARY

"setting new standards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing establishing different criteria or qualifications for something. For example: "The company is setting new standards for customer service performance to ensure their clients have the best experience possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An exception is Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York, who is setting new standards that we would do well to adopt as a nation.

The New York Times

Digital evidence, from computer hard drives to high-tech wire taps, will increasingly be the stuff that cases are made of, and New York can lead the way in setting new standards.

Huffington Post

Exposure Misclassification in Observational Studies: Setting New Standards.

Harvard University

Having won a record 16 grand slam titles, Federer is well used to setting new standards.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a constant game of catch-up, with new champions setting new standards.

The Guardian - Sport

But if Jeter is setting new standards, he still takes his place humbly.

The New York Times - Sports

But its more practical legacy may be decidedly nonfiction in nature — setting new standards for board oversight of operational risk.

The New York Times

The issue of improving the average local player is still there, but Guangzhou is setting new standards in Chinese soccer.

The New York Times

Soon, that record would be beaten: Sebastian Vettel, a young Red Bull prodigy, began setting new standards.

The New York Times - Sports

Smith had devoted much of his life to setting new standards at pirouetting on a pommel horse.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, the members of this supposedly thrifty cohort are setting new standards for post-retirement consumption.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting new standards", ensure you clearly define what aspects are being standardized and how they represent an improvement over previous practices.

Common error

Avoid using "setting new standards" without providing context. Specify which field or area is affected and what concrete changes are being introduced. For example, instead of saying "The company is setting new standards", specify "The company is setting new standards for employee training, including mandatory diversity and inclusion workshops."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting new standards" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an active process of establishing new benchmarks or levels of expectation. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase conveys agency and initiative in creating change. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting new standards" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of establishing new, often higher, benchmarks or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. Related phrases include "raising the bar" and "establishing higher benchmarks". When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the affected aspects and how they improve previous practices. Avoid vagueness by specifying the field and concrete changes. Keep in mind that this is an active process that creates change, therefore, that change should be a positive one, if possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raising the bar

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression indicating an increase in the level of expectation or performance required.

establishing higher benchmarks

This emphasizes the creation of specific metrics against which future performance will be measured.

defining new norms

Focuses on establishing new patterns of behavior or expectation within a specific group or context.

pioneering new levels

This suggests being the first to reach a new degree of achievement or quality.

creating unprecedented criteria

This stresses the novelty and originality of the standards being established.

redefining excellence

This alternative focuses on changing the understanding or definition of what constitutes exceptional performance.

raising expectations

Focuses on increasing what is anticipated or hoped for in terms of performance or quality.

upgrading the criteria

Implies a revision and improvement of existing standards to a higher level.

imposing stricter guidelines

Highlights the enforcement of more rigorous rules or requirements.

breaking new ground

Similar to pioneering, but emphasizes innovation and exploration in uncharted territory.

FAQs

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

You can use "setting new standards" to describe an entity that is establishing higher levels of performance, quality, or expectations. For instance, "The new regulations are "setting new standards" for environmental protection".

What can I say instead of "setting new standards"?

Alternatives to "setting new standards" include "raising the bar", "establishing higher benchmarks", or "defining new norms", depending on the specific context.

Is "setting new standards" the same as "meeting new standards"?

No, "setting new standards" means creating or establishing new, typically higher, levels of performance or expectations. Conversely, "meeting new standards" means satisfying or complying with standards that have already been established.

Which is correct, "setting new standards" or "setting up new standards"?

"Setting new standards" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "Setting up new standards" is grammatically correct but less frequently used and can sound slightly awkward. It is more common to use "establishing new standards".