to calibrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to calibrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of adjusting or fine-tuning a device, system, or measurement to ensure accuracy or precision. Example: "Before conducting the experiment, it is essential to calibrate the instruments to ensure reliable results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, secondary calibrations were chosen to calibrate specific nodes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

She explained how to calibrate the distances.

The New York Times - Travel

It does take some effort to calibrate.

The New York Times - Tech

And mature enough to calibrate our necessary responses to each.

The Guardian - Opinion

For suggestions on how to calibrate his message.

The New York Times

The debate is over how to calibrate the president's priorities.

The New York Times

But Cameron has to calibrate his joint security compact carefully.

The Guardian

There are many ways to calibrate the misery index.

The New York Times

Outrage and offence are getting harder to calibrate, he says.

The Guardian

I ran XBench against the four drives to calibrate them.

The Guardian - Tech

But such an operation would be tough to calibrate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to calibrate" in technical writing, specify the standard or reference against which the calibration is being performed. This adds clarity and precision to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "to calibrate" in situations where simpler terms like "adjust" or "fine-tune" would suffice. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to calibrate" primarily functions as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason for performing an action, often related to measurement, adjustment, or alignment with a standard. Ludwig examples show this usage across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to calibrate" is a correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that typically indicates the purpose of ensuring accuracy or precision by aligning something with a standard. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, it carries a professional and somewhat formal tone. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is well-integrated into diverse domains requiring careful adjustment and standardization. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the context and avoid overusing it when simpler terms like "to adjust" or "to fine-tune" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to adjust

This alternative focuses on making minor changes to achieve a desired state.

to fine-tune

This emphasizes a precise adjustment for optimal performance.

to measure accurately

Focuses on the act of precise measurement.

to standardize

Implies bringing something into conformity with a standard.

to align

Focuses on bringing elements into a correct or suitable relationship.

to set

This alternative emphasizes the act of establishing a specific value or configuration.

to gauge

Implies assessing or estimating something, often in relation to a standard.

to modulate

This suggests adjusting or regulating something to achieve a desired effect.

to synchronize

Focuses on coordinating elements to operate in unison.

to attune

Implies bringing something into harmony or agreement with something else.

FAQs

How is "to calibrate" used in a sentence?

You can use "to calibrate" when referring to the process of adjusting or fine-tuning a device, system, or measurement to ensure accuracy or precision. For example, "It's crucial to calibrate the equipment before starting the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "to calibrate"?

You can use alternatives like "to adjust", "to fine-tune", or "to standardize" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to calibrate"?

"To calibrate" is appropriate when referring to the specific act of comparing a measurement or instrument against a known standard, or adjusting something to align with that standard.

What's the difference between "to calibrate" and "to adjust"?

"To calibrate" typically implies a more precise and formal process of alignment to a standard, while "to adjust" refers to making smaller changes to achieve a desired state or outcome.