Meaning & use
standard procedure
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
The usual or official way of doing something in a particular organization or situation.
Grammar: Often used with 'it is' or 'as': It is standard procedure to ask for ID. / As standard procedure, we check references.
Patterns
- it is standard procedure to do something
- as standard procedure
- follow standard procedure
- standard procedure for something
It is standard procedure to ask for identification before you can enter the building.
As standard procedure, all employees must attend a safety training session.
The doctor said that taking a blood sample is standard procedure for this kind of test.
phrasecountable
A set of steps that are officially agreed and always followed in a particular type of work.
Grammar: Can be used with 'a' or 'the': We have a standard procedure for handling complaints.
Patterns
- a standard procedure for doing something
- have a standard procedure
- follow the standard procedure
The company has a standard procedure for dealing with customer complaints.
Firefighters follow a standard procedure when they arrive at a burning building.
There is no standard procedure for this kind of emergency; we have to decide quickly.
Common combinations
- follow standard procedure
- The staff must follow standard procedure when they check the tickets.
- as standard procedure
- As standard procedure, the manager reviews all applications.
- it is standard procedure to
- It is standard procedure to lock the doors at night.
- standard procedure for
- What is the standard procedure for reporting an accident?
Synonyms and how they differ
- routine
- Routine is a regular way of doing things, but it may not be officially written down; standard procedure is usually an official rule.
- protocol
- Protocol is more formal and often used for official or diplomatic rules; standard procedure is more general and common in everyday work.
- policy
- Policy is a set of principles or rules, while standard procedure is the specific steps you take to follow those rules.
Commonly confused: standard procedure or standard operating procedure?
standard procedure vs standard operating procedure
This is a longer, more formal phrase often abbreviated as SOP; it means the same as standard procedure but is used mainly in business and military contexts.
Practice
It is ______ to check the patient's temperature before the doctor sees them.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase 'it is standard procedure to...' does not need an article. 'A standard procedure' would need a following clause like 'that we follow' to sound natural here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “standard procedure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.