apples to oranges

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apples to oranges" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing two things that are fundamentally different and not comparable. For example, "Comparing the budget of a small startup to that of a multinational corporation is like comparing apples to oranges." Alternative expressions include "comparing apples and oranges" and "like comparing chalk and cheese."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Compare apples to oranges.

The New York Times

That is like comparing apples to oranges.

The New York Times

This is an apples to oranges comparison.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's kind of comparing apples to oranges," Mr. Graschel said.

The New York Times

Perhaps you can compare apples to oranges after all.

The New York Times - Tech

In compiling my 2011 list, am I comparing apples to oranges?

The New York Times - Magazine

Given all the fees, historical reports are now comparing apples to oranges.

The New York Times

If we're not comparing apples to oranges, exactly, we're certainly comparing Granny Smiths to McIntoshes.

The New Yorker

One might reasonably protest that my study (although not Ms. Reinhart's) is comparing apples to oranges.

The New York Times

It is not clear how useful that is because the site compares apples to oranges.

The New York Times

But that is to compare apples to oranges and to overlook need.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "apples to oranges" when you want to emphasize that a comparison is fundamentally flawed because the items being compared are too different. For example, comparing the features of a budget phone to a flagship model is often comparing "apples to oranges".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "apples to oranges" simply to dismiss a comparison you disagree with. Ensure there's a genuine, fundamental difference that makes the comparison invalid, rather than just a preference or minor variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apples to oranges" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that two things are so dissimilar that comparing them is illogical or unfair. As confirmed by Ludwig, it highlights a lack of common ground for a meaningful comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "apples to oranges" serves as a succinct way to dismiss a comparison as fundamentally flawed due to the inherent dissimilarity of the items being compared. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and widespread usage of this phrase, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this idiom, ensure that the differences between the items are genuinely significant, preventing a meaningful comparison. Alternatives like "comparing chalk and cheese" or pointing out a ""false equivalence"" can offer nuanced ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not a fair comparison

This is a simpler and more direct way to say that the comparison is not valid.

comparing unlike things

This is a more direct and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

comparing dissimilar items

Similar to "comparing unlike things", this is a straightforward and neutral alternative.

comparing chalk and cheese

This alternative is more common in British English and emphasizes the dissimilarity between the items being compared.

a flawed comparison

This phrase focuses on the logical error of making an inappropriate comparison.

a false equivalence

This phrase suggests that the comparison is not only inappropriate but also misleading.

comparing incompatible elements

This option is more formal and highlights the lack of alignment between the compared elements.

there's no basis for comparison

This phrase suggests that there are no shared qualities or characteristics that allow for a meaningful comparison.

mixing oil and water

This phrase highlights the incompatibility of the items, suggesting they don't blend well together.

comparing two different worlds

This emphasizes the vast differences between the items, making a direct comparison impossible.

FAQs

How can I use "apples to oranges" in a sentence?

You can use "apples to oranges" to describe comparisons that are invalid because the items being compared are too dissimilar. For example, "Comparing the speed of a bicycle to a car is like comparing "apples to oranges"".

What does it mean to compare "apples to oranges"?

Comparing "apples to oranges" means comparing two things that are so different that a meaningful comparison is impossible. It implies that any conclusions drawn from such a comparison are likely to be flawed or misleading.

What's the origin of the phrase "apples to oranges"?

The exact origin is uncertain, but the phrase's usage became widespread in the early 20th century. The idea behind it is intuitive: apples and oranges are both fruits but differ significantly in taste, texture, and other characteristics, making direct comparison impractical.

Are there other idioms similar to "apples to oranges"?

Yes, similar idioms include "comparing chalk and cheese", which is common in British English, and phrases like "comparing "unlike things"" or "drawing a "false equivalence"".