Meaning & use
measuring
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“measuring” is a form of “measure”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
Finding the size, amount, or degree of something using a tool or standard unit.
Grammar: As a verb, it can take an object (measure the room) or be used without one (I measured carefully). The -ing form is used in continuous tenses and after prepositions.
Patterns
- be measuring something
- measuring something with something
- measuring how much/many
She is measuring the length of the table with a tape measure.
We were measuring the ingredients for the cake when the phone rang.
He is measuring how much paint we need for the walls.
adjectivebefore a noun
Used before a noun to describe a tool, cup, or device used for finding size or amount.
Grammar: Always comes before the noun: a measuring cup, a measuring tape. You do not say 'a cup measuring' for this meaning.
Patterns
- measuring cup
- measuring tape
- measuring spoon
- measuring device
Pour the flour into a measuring cup and level it off.
The carpenter used a measuring tape to check the width of the door.
A measuring spoon helps you add the right amount of medicine.
Word forms
| base form | measure |
|---|---|
| third person singular | measures |
| past tense | measured |
| past participle | measured |
| -ing form | measuring |
Common combinations
- measuring cup
- Use a measuring cup to get exactly one cup of milk.
- measuring tape
- The tailor wrapped a measuring tape around my waist.
- measuring spoon
- Add a measuring spoon of sugar to the mixture.
- measuring instrument
- A thermometer is a common measuring instrument.
- measuring system
- The metric measuring system is used in most countries.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gauging
- Similar but often used for measuring thickness, width, or capacity with a special tool; it can also mean judging a feeling or situation.
- calculating
- Focuses on using numbers or math to find an amount, while 'measuring' usually involves a physical tool.
Word family
- measurement noun
- The size or amount that you find when you measure something, or the act of measuring.
- measurable adjective
- Able to be measured or noticed in a clear way.
- measured adjective
- Slow and careful, or calculated exactly.
Commonly confused: measuring or mesuring?
measuring vs mesuring
A common misspelling. The correct spelling is 'measuring' with 'ea' and 'ur': m-e-a-s-u-r-i-n-g.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'measuring' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option A uses the correct -ing form after 'is' and takes a direct object ('the flour'). Option B uses the base form 'measure' after 'is', which is wrong. Option C puts 'cup' directly after 'measuring' without an article, which is ungrammatical. Option D adds an unnecessary 'to' before the object.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “measuring”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.