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Prepositions with measure

“Of measure” or “to measure” with measure

Measure commonly appears in fixed noun phrases such as unit of measure and after verbs with to measure. The two patterns have different grammar and meaning.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use of measure in fixed noun phrases such as unit of measure or standard of measure. Use to measure after verbs or nouns that describe purpose or action, such as a device to measure temperature. Do not use of measure as a general alternative to to measure.

The app uses a standard unit of measure for distance.
We bought a tool to measure humidity.
The law defines a new standard of measure for energy use.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
unit of measure

Naming a measurement system or quantity

Use this fixed phrase to describe a standard way of measuring something.

Centimetre is a common unit of measure in science.
2
standard of measure

Referring to a benchmark or scale

This phrase describes a reference used for comparison or evaluation.

Accuracy is the main standard of measure in the test.
3
tool to measure + object

Showing purpose

Use to measure after a noun to explain what the object is used for.

They designed a sensor to measure air pressure.
4
measure of + noun

Expressing degree or quantity

Measure of is a separate common pattern meaning an amount or sign of something.

Her reply showed a measure of patience.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
unit of measure
The spreadsheet uses the metric unit of measure.
A fixed phrase for a measurement unit.
to measure
We need a device to measure noise levels.
An infinitive showing purpose or action.
of measure
The phrase appears in unit of measure.
Usually part of a fixed expression, not a general pattern.
measure of
The project was a measure of success.
An amount, sign, or degree of something.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of measure as a general phrase

Of measure is usually limited to fixed expressions.

✕ We bought equipment of measure temperature. ✓ We bought equipment to measure temperature.

Confusing measure of with unit of measure

The meanings are different.

✕ Patience is a unit of measure. ✓ Patience is a measure of maturity.

Leaving out the infinitive marker

Use to before the verb measure when expressing purpose.

✕ This device helps measure blood sugar. ✓ This device helps to measure blood sugar.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. A thermometer is used ___ body temperature.
2. Kilogram is a standard ___ weight.
3. Her speech showed a ___ confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of measure” correct English?

It is correct mainly in fixed expressions such as unit of measure or standard of measure.

When do I use “to measure”?

Use to measure to describe purpose or action, especially after nouns and verbs.

Can “measure of” replace “unit of measure”?

No. Measure of means an amount or degree, while unit of measure names a measurement unit.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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