step on the scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step on the scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of weighing oneself on a weighing scale. Example: "Before starting my diet, I decided to step on the scale to see my current weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Among the remainder, a majority had a change of only one step on the scale.

European Journal of Public Health

The relative risk refers to the difference of one step on the scale.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ten percent of the couples in the resulting sample, did not agree fully, but disagreement was always minor (i.e. never more than one step on the scale).

BMC Family Practice

No change or an improvement of least one step on the scale was assumed in this study to be a positive outcome for the patient.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Ten percent of the couples did not agree fully, but disagreement was always minor (i.e. never more than one step on the scale).

BMC Family Practice

When you step on the scale on Jan . 1 you don't say "Yikes!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

For a long time now I've been weighing myself daily, but I realised early on that the numbers you see when you step on the scales are almost always nonsense.

The Guardian

Once a week step on the scales.

WikiHow

That made me curious, and I stepped on the scale.

The New York Times

The screaming began when Shane Mosley stepped on the scale at Madison Square Garden yesterday evening.

The New York Times - Sports

She weighed only sixty-five pounds when she stepped on the scale.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about weight loss or health, using "step on the scale" can make the action more relatable and immediate for the reader. For example, "After a month of dieting, she nervously stepped on the scale."

Common error

Avoid implying that weighing oneself is the sole indicator of health or progress. While "step on the scale" can be part of a healthy routine, emphasize that it's just one metric among many such as diet, exercise and overall well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step on the scale" functions primarily as a verbal phrase describing the action of using a weighing scale to determine one's weight. As supported by Ludwig, this action is often associated with monitoring health or progress in weight management.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "step on the scale" is a common way to describe the action of weighing oneself, primarily for health monitoring or tracking progress. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives such as "weigh oneself" or "check one's weight". However, remember that consistent and balanced monitoring, including a healthy diet and exercise, are essential for overall well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get on the scale

Simplifies the phrase by omitting the verb "step".

weigh oneself

Replaces the action of stepping on the scale with a more direct verb.

check one's weight

Focuses on the act of verifying weight, rather than the physical action.

get weighed

Passive form emphasizing the state of being weighed.

measure one's weight

Highlights the measurement aspect of the action.

hop on the scale

More informal and casual way to describe stepping on the scale.

use a weighing scale

Specifies the instrument used for measuring weight.

assess weight

Focuses on the evaluation of weight.

determine weight

Focuses on finding out the weight.

monitor weight

Emphasizes the regular tracking of weight.

FAQs

What does "step on the scale" mean?

The phrase "step on the scale" refers to the act of weighing yourself, typically to monitor weight changes over time.

What can I say instead of "step on the scale"?

You can use alternatives like "weigh oneself", "check one's weight", or "get weighed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "step on the scale" or "get on the scale"?

Both "step on the scale" and "get on the scale" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, though "step on the scale" might imply a more deliberate action.

How often should I "step on the scale" to monitor my weight?

The frequency of weighing yourself depends on your goals and preferences. Some people weigh themselves daily, while others do so weekly or monthly. Consistency is key to tracking trends.