apples and oranges

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'apples and oranges' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as an idiom or figure of speech to compare two things or situations that are unrelated or considered to be incomparable. Example: Comparing the salaries of a CEO and a teacher is like comparing apples and oranges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

2. Apples and oranges.

The New York Times

Apples and oranges!

Harvard University

They are apples and oranges".

The New York Times

"It's apples and oranges.

The Guardian - Film

It is apples and oranges.

The Guardian - Tech

That is apples and oranges".

The New York Times

Apples and oranges, you say?

The New York Times - Arts

"But it's apples and oranges.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

responded by saying it was an apples-and-oranges comparison.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, this is an apples-and-oranges comparison.

The Washington Post

"That isn't just apples-and-oranges.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apples and oranges" when you want to quickly and clearly communicate that two items or situations are not comparable due to fundamental differences. This idiom is widely understood and adds impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "apples and oranges" simply to dismiss a comparison you disagree with. Ensure there are genuine, significant differences that make a direct comparison misleading. Otherwise, you risk weakening your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apples and oranges" functions as an idiomatic noun phrase, acting as a figure of speech to denote that two items or concepts are fundamentally dissimilar and cannot be meaningfully compared. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apples and oranges" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express that two things are so different that a comparison is illogical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. When writing, use this phrase to clearly signal fundamental differences, but ensure the comparison is truly invalid to avoid weakening your argument. Alternatives include "comparing chalk and cheese" and "comparing unlike things". This guide offers practical tips and addresses common mistakes to enhance your understanding and effective use of this idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparing chalk and cheese

Emphasizes the distinct dissimilarity between two items, originating from a British idiom.

comparing unlike things

Highlights the fundamental difference making direct comparison invalid.

comparing disparate entities

Uses more formal language to describe distinctly different objects of comparison.

mixing oil and water

Draws a parallel to elements that are inherently incompatible and cannot blend.

a false equivalence

Highlights the logical fallacy of equating two things that are not equal.

an invalid comparison

Directly states that the comparison lacks a sound basis.

comparing two different worlds

Suggests the items belong to entirely separate domains or contexts.

a meaningless comparison

Indicates that the comparison has no value or relevance.

comparing night and day

Illustrates stark contrast, highlighting the degree of difference.

it's like comparing a car to a bicycle

Uses a more specific example of two items with fundamentally different capabilities.

FAQs

How do you use "apples and oranges" in a sentence?

Use "apples and oranges" to illustrate that two items or concepts are so different that comparing them is illogical or misleading. For example, "Comparing the cost of living in New York City and a small rural town is like comparing "apples and oranges"."

What's another way to say "apples and oranges"?

Alternatives to "apples and oranges" include phrases like "comparing chalk and cheese", "comparing unlike things", or stating that you're dealing with "a false equivalence".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "apples and oranges"?

It's appropriate to use "apples and oranges" when the differences between two subjects are so significant that any direct comparison would be inherently flawed and uninformative. It's best suited for scenarios where the dissimilarities are obvious and prevent a meaningful analysis.

What's the difference between "apples and oranges" and a simple difference of opinion?

"Apples and oranges" implies a fundamental difference in nature or category, rendering direct comparison invalid. A difference of opinion, however, involves differing viewpoints on the same subject, where comparison and debate are still relevant and meaningful.