the benchmarks

USAGE SUMMARY

"the benchmarks" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to standards or points of reference for measuring performance or quality. An example: "The benchmarks for success in this project are clearly defined." Alternative expressions include "the standards" and "the criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Consider the benchmarks.

The Guardian

The benchmarks, notably Brent crude, are enormously influential.

The New York Times

Abbott was also asked to outline the benchmarks for success.

The Guardian

The benchmarks applied in Canberra seem a long way away.

The Guardian

The benchmarks involved were the Yen London interbank rate and Euribor.

Independent

All the benchmarks of superior quartet playing are here: integrated sound, impeccable intonation, judicious balances.

The New York Times - Arts

So do the tech wizards whose new fortunes have raised the benchmarks for casual extravagance.

The New York Times - Books

The revisions had brought several of the benchmarks down to sea level, or lower.

The New Yorker

Indeed, we are still not clear about the benchmarks that are being set for adequate governance.

The New York Times

Most people would think this was one of the benchmarks of a liberal state.

The Economist

The benchmarks slipped after government reports showed consumer and manufacturers' confidence declining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the domain or industry to make the comparison more concrete, such as "the industry benchmarks" or "the academic benchmarks".

Common error

Avoid using "the benchmarks" when you actually mean "the goals" or "the targets". A benchmark is a point of reference for comparison (where we are compared to others), whereas a goal is a desired result (where we want to be).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the benchmarks" functions as a plural noun phrase consisting of the definite article "the" and the noun "benchmarks". In a sentence, it typically acts as the direct object of a verb (e.g., "meet "the benchmarks"") or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its role in identifying specific reference points used for comparative evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Informal

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "the benchmarks" is a versatile and essential phrase for anyone writing about evaluation, performance or standards. Ludwig AI data demonstrates its high frequency in both scientific research and international news, highlighting its role as a bridge between technical measurement and public discourse. Whether you are discussing oil prices in The New York Times or software validation in a science journal, "the benchmarks" serves as a reliable anchor for comparison. Using it correctly involves ensuring that there is a clear standard being referenced and distinguishing it from related terms like "the targets" or "the metrics".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the standards

refers more broadly to established levels of quality or attainment

the metrics

emphasizes the quantitative measurement aspect common in business and data analysis

the reference points

focuses on the use of a value as a basis for comparison

the criteria

suggests a set of principles or requirements used for judgment

the yardsticks

a more metaphorical term for measuring success or value

the touchstones

implies a fundamental or quintessential standard of excellence

the baselines

refers specifically to the starting point used for comparison

the performance indicators

more technical and commonly used in corporate or organizational reporting

the evaluation points

specific moments or items within an assessment process

the milestones

shifts the focus from a standard of quality to a point of progress in time

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the benchmarks"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "the standards", "the metrics" or "the yardsticks".

How to use "the benchmarks" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe evaluation, such as: "The team failed to meet "the benchmarks" set by the international committee."

What is the difference between "the benchmarks" and "the criteria"?

While "the criteria" refers to the rules or requirements for a decision, "the benchmarks" refers to the specific values or levels used as a measurement of comparison.

Is it correct to use "the benchmarks" in scientific writing?

Yes, as shown in Ludwig examples from journals like BMC and PLOS ONE, it is a standard term for validated testing protocols or reference datasets.