about the same size as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'about the same size as' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare the size of two objects, typically when you want to say that two objects are similar in size. For example: "The puppy was about the same size as the cat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About the same size as Croydon".

The Guardian

That plant would be about the same size as Shell's.

The New York Times

(It's about the same size as the principality of Monaco).

The New York Times

But Britain is about the same size as Germany and its cultural DNA is northern European.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even Paris, Tex., is about the same size as Paris, France.

The New York Times - Travel

The house was about the same size as Evariste's, but much older and more weathered.

The New Yorker

It's about four inches by six, about the same size as her nine other tattoos.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That addition alone is about the same size as the entire US electricity sector today.

The Guardian

It's about the same size as New Zealand, or the state of Kansas.

The Guardian - Travel

He held his ground as three boys about the same size as him charged.

The New Yorker

Kosovo, about the same size as Jamaica or Lebanon, is the smallest country in the Balkans.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about the same size as", ensure that the objects you are comparing are genuinely close in size to avoid misleading the reader. Provide context or units of measurement if precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "about the same size as" when a more precise comparison is possible. If you have exact measurements, provide them instead of relying on an approximation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the same size as" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. It modifies a noun or noun phrase by indicating similarity in size to another object or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about the same size as" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a size comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. While it offers a convenient way to relate the size of two objects when precision isn't crucial, remember to provide accurate units or more technical descriptions when necessary. Alternatives like "approximately the same size as" or "comparable in size to" can also be used based on the desired level of formality. This phrase provides a useful tool for enhancing clarity and creating relatable descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately the same size as

Replaces "about" with "approximately", indicating a slightly more precise comparison but maintains the same core meaning.

nearly the same size as

Substitutes "about" with "nearly", suggesting a close but not exact similarity in size.

roughly the same size as

Uses "roughly" instead of "about", implying an estimation or approximation in size comparison.

comparable in size to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise construction using "comparable", indicating similarity in dimension.

similar in size to

Similar to "comparable", this option offers a shorter and more direct way to express size similarity.

on par with in size

Uses "on par with" to indicate that two things are equal in size.

matches the size of

Indicates an equivalence in dimensions between two compared subjects.

of similar dimensions to

Employs "dimensions" to directly address the spatial extent and provides a more formal tone.

akin in size to

Replaces "same" with "akin", suggesting an analogy in scale or dimensions.

equivalent in size to

Emphasizes the equality in size, suggesting identical dimensions or scale.

FAQs

How can I use "about the same size as" in a sentence?

Use "about the same size as" to compare the dimensions of two objects, like in the sentence, "The new office was "about the same size as" the old one".

What are some alternatives to saying "about the same size as"?

You could use phrases like "approximately the same size as", "nearly the same size as", or "comparable in size to" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "about the same size as" in formal writing?

While "about the same size as" is acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "of similar dimensions to" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "about the same size as" and "exactly the same size as"?

"About the same size as" indicates an approximation, while "exactly the same size as" implies that the dimensions are identical. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of similarity you want to convey.