A standard is a level used to judge how good or acceptable something is.

The idea

Standard is countable: a standard, standards. People can set, meet or raise standards.

Examples

  • The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness.
  • These shoes meet the safety standards for factory work.
  • The school raised its standards for written assignments.
  • By international standards, the bridge is relatively short.
  • The volunteers set a high standard for customer service.
  • The repair was below the standard we expected.

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Watch out

Do not confuse a high standard with a high standard of living: the latter refers to living conditions.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. The laboratory follows strict safety ___. (standard / standards)

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    standards

    Standards fits the plural safety requirements.

  2. Choose the correct option. The hotel must ___ the required standard of hygiene. (meet / miss)

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    meet

    Meet means satisfy the required level.

  3. Choose the correct option. The painting is below the ___ expected for the exhibition. (standard / standards)

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    standard

    Standard refers to the single expected level.

Use it today

Describe a standard in your workplace, school or community.