What are the definitions of “measure against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Evaluate or judge by comparison.
The work doesn't look good if you MEASURE it AGAINST what our competitors have done.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “measure against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb measure against is to evaluate or judge something by comparing it to another thing. This is often used to determine the quality, value, or effectiveness of something by comparing it to a standard or benchmark.
What are the different verb forms of “measure against”?
| Root Verb | measure against |
| Third Person Singular Present | measures against |
| Present Participle | measuring against |
| Simple Past | measured against |
| Past Participle | measured against |
Example
We need to measure our progress against the goals we set at the beginning of the year.
Example
She measures her success against the achievements of her peers.
Example
They are measuring their performance against industry standards.
Example
He measured his results against the expectations of his boss.
Example
The project's success was measured against the initial objectives.
What kind of phrasal verb is “measure against”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“measure against” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
We measured our progress against the goals we set.
Example
She measured her success against the achievements of her peers.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“measure against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We measured our progress against the goals we set.
Example
She measured her success against the achievements of her peers.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “measure against”?
Good things to know
Does “measure against” have an informal or formal tone?
Measure against is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as academic or professional discussions.
