yardstick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yardstick" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a metaphor for a standard or measure against which something can be compared or assessed. Example: "The success of the project will be the yardstick by which we evaluate our future initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than 20 years after it was abolished, Margaret Thatcher's poll tax remains the locus classicus for domestic political miscalculation and the yardstick by which all other UK governmental policy ineptitudes are still judged.

The Guardian - Opinion

The real yardstick for the chancellors' debate, therefore, is whether the public's views about Alistair Darling, George Osborne or Vince Cable have changed at all tonight.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is inflation as measured by the producer prices index, as measured by the personal consumer expenditure deflator (the yardstick of choice for the Fed), as measured by the monthly survey of small businesses, and as measured by the Institute of Supply Management.

The Guardian - Business

The results highlighted the inadequacy of using the global mean surface temperature as the primary yardstick for climate change.

The Guardian

For Mr Sharon, the yardstick is whether Mr Arafat will end Palestinian violence and incitement and, in the words of Mr Powell's speech, "arrest, prosecute and punish the perpetrators of terrorist acts", as a precondition to Israel's ending its violence against Palestinians.

The Economist

No other country offers such a perfect yardstick for comparison, involving near-identical levels of national wealth, population, military clout, diplomatic cunning and historical swagger.

The Economist

This would reduce the incentives for other regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to move towards the nuclear threshold themselves.The yardstick is Iran's "breakout capability"—the time it would take to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for one device.

The Economist

Other countries in the hemisphere, and beyond, will look to progress on NAFTA as a yardstick of what they can expect under the FTAA and in the WTO.

The Economist

But one can use a rough-and-ready yardstick: in how many places did the inventors seek a patent for the same technology?

The Economist

The difficulty is partly that there is no single yardstick for measuring progress in those areas.

The Economist

Richard Strauss called for "lots of horns, which are always a yardstick for heroism".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating complex issues, consider using multiple "yardsticks" to achieve a comprehensive assessment. Avoid relying on a single metric that may offer a skewed perspective.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on one "yardstick" when evaluating multifaceted subjects. Using multiple metrics provides a more balanced and accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "yardstick" is as a noun. It typically refers to a standard or measure used for comparison or evaluation. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples in its database.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "yardstick" functions as a noun and is used to denote a standard or measure for comparison. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, business, and formal contexts. When using "yardstick", remember that it's most effective when there is an objective measure or benchmark. Related terms include "benchmark", "criterion", and "standard of measurement". Be mindful to not rely on a single "yardstick" for evaluations to avoid biased assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Benchmark

This term implies a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.

Standard of measurement

This phrase explicitly refers to a defined criterion used for quantitative or qualitative assessment.

Criterion

This refers to a principle or standard by which something is judged or decided.

Touchstone

This term describes a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of something.

Measure

This refers to a standard used for assessment or comparison.

Gauge

This term indicates an instrument or standard used for measuring or testing.

Barometer

This describes something that reflects changes in circumstances or opinions.

Litmus test

This refers to a test that uses a single indicator to prompt a decision.

Point of comparison

Highlights the use of something as a basis for comparing different things.

Gold standard

Implies the best or most reliable standard for assessing something.

FAQs

How can I use "yardstick" in a sentence?

You can use "yardstick" to refer to a standard or measure against which something is compared or assessed. For instance, "Profit margin is a key yardstick for evaluating business success."

What is a good substitute for the word "yardstick"?

Alternatives for "yardstick" include "benchmark", "criterion", or "standard of measurement" depending on the context.

What does it mean to measure something by a "yardstick"?

Measuring something by a "yardstick" means evaluating it against a specific standard or benchmark to assess its quality, performance, or value.

Is it appropriate to use "yardstick" in formal writing?

Yes, "yardstick" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing evaluation metrics or comparative standards. It is common in "news and media" and "formal and business" contexts.