a comparable amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comparable amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing quantities or values that are similar or equivalent in some way. Example: "The budget for the new project is set at $50,000, and we expect to allocate a comparable amount for marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

L2/3e, L4e, and L5e emit a comparable amount of additional spikes in response to the stimulus, while L6e shows a comparatively sparse response (Fig.  10 B).

Cerebral Cortex

It is worth noting that compared to small breasts, large breasts tend to have more fat but a comparable amount of fibroglandular tissue.

Cancer Convergence

Mr. James, who expects to spend a comparable amount, has gathered about $500,000 less than his opponent.

The New York Times

"By that time, we'll have a comparable amount sitting in pools".

The New York Times

The number of people searching for information on others rose by a comparable amount.

The New York Times - Tech

And wind farms gobble up territory, taking up considerably more land than other electrical generators to generate a comparable amount of electricity.

The New York Times - Tech

Not long before, Mr. Potanin took advantage of political connections to buy the whole company for a comparable amount from the government.

The New York Times

Saban Entertainment, owned by Haim Saban, owns 49.5percentt of Fox Family Worldwide, whose entertainment channel reaches 78.6 million homes; News Corporation owns a comparable amount.

The New York Times

"The ability to find another job that pays a comparable amount of money is very challenging in today's environment," he said.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Disney, the channel DirecTV replaced Nickelodeon with, saw its ratings increase a comparable amount.

TechCrunch

At the same time, a comparable amount of increase at stations near the trench is inferred.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider using "a commensurate amount" instead of "a comparable amount". "Commensurate" often adds a layer of precision, especially when discussing abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "a comparable amount" without specifying units or a reference point. Vague comparisons can mislead your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comparable amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is similar or nearly equal to another. Ludwig shows that it is often used to draw parallels between different quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comparable amount" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that two or more quantities are similar in size or extent. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a determiner, drawing parallels between different quantities, and its usage is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the basis of the comparison to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar quantity

Focuses on the quantity being alike, emphasizing the numerical aspect.

a commensurate volume

Highlights the proportionality or correspondence in volume, often in a more formal context.

a matching figure

Emphasizes that the numerical value is nearly identical.

an equivalent measure

Suggests that the measure or degree is practically the same.

a parallel magnitude

Implies that the scale or size is closely aligned.

a related extent

Highlights a similarity in scope or degree.

an analogous portion

Focuses on the portion being similar, drawing a parallel.

a close approximation

Highlights that the amount is not exact but very near.

a like proportion

Emphasizes the similarity in ratio or share.

a near equivalent

Stresses that the amount is almost identical, though not perfectly so.

FAQs

How can I use "a comparable amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a comparable amount" to show similarity in quantity or value between two things. For example, "The new engine uses less fuel but produces "a comparable amount" of power."

What phrases are similar to "a comparable amount"?

Alternatives include "a similar amount", "an equivalent amount", or "a commensurate amount". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a comparable amount" or "a similar amount"?

"A comparable amount" and "a similar amount" are often interchangeable, but "comparable" suggests a more direct and rigorous comparison. Use the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What does "a comparable amount" imply about the comparison?

Using "a comparable amount" implies that the two quantities being compared are not exactly the same, but they are close enough to be considered roughly equal or similar in magnitude.