are not comparable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not comparable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that two or more items cannot be compared due to differences in nature, quality, or characteristics. Example: "The two products are not comparable, as one is designed for professional use while the other is intended for casual consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are not comparable.

The New York Times - Sports

"Personalities are not comparable.

The Guardian

The models are not comparable.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the two numbers are not comparable.

The Economist

The two outbreaks are not comparable.

The New Yorker

And university degrees are not comparable either.

The Guardian

"The two are not comparable," Mr. Weinberg said.

The New York Times - Arts

But the situations in Waziristan and Iran are not comparable.

The New Yorker

The fact is that most children are not comparable".

The Guardian

Spanish politicians say the two places are not comparable.

The Economist

For Mr. Klein, at least, the two situations are not comparable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not comparable", clearly state the reasons why the items being discussed cannot be compared. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that two things are comparable without careful consideration. If key differences exist, acknowledge them upfront and use "are not comparable" to set the right context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not comparable" functions as a declarative statement indicating that two or more entities cannot be meaningfully compared. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is commonly used to express incompatibility due to fundamental differences. The phrase serves to establish a boundary, preventing inappropriate or misleading analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not comparable" is a versatile expression used to indicate that two or more items cannot be meaningfully compared due to fundamental differences. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields. The phrase commonly appears in scientific and news media contexts. It serves to prevent inappropriate comparisons and inaccurate conclusions. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate why the items cannot be compared to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be compared

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the impossibility of comparison.

are incommensurable

This alternative uses a more formal term to highlight that the items lack a common standard of measurement.

are not analogous

This alternative focuses on the lack of similarity or correspondence between the items.

are dissimilar

This alternative is a more general term for lacking similarity.

are unrelated

This alternative emphasizes the absence of any connection or relationship.

diverge significantly

This alternative highlights the substantial differences between the items.

bear little resemblance

This alternative underscores the lack of visual or superficial similarity.

are distinct

This alternative points out the clear and noticeable differences.

do not equate

This alternative highlights that the items do not yield the same result when considered.

aren't on par

This alternative suggests that the items differ in quality or standard.

FAQs

How do I use "are not comparable" in a sentence?

Use "are not comparable" to indicate that two or more items cannot be meaningfully compared due to fundamental differences. For example, "These two economic models "are not comparable" because they operate under completely different assumptions."

What can I say instead of "are not comparable"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be compared", "are incommensurable", or "are dissimilar" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not comparable"?

It is appropriate when the items being discussed differ so significantly that any attempt to draw parallels or make comparisons would be misleading or inaccurate. This is often the case when different methodologies, data sets, or underlying assumptions are involved.

What's the difference between "are not comparable" and "are not similar"?

"Are not similar" indicates a lack of resemblance, whereas "are not comparable" indicates a fundamental incompatibility that makes comparison invalid. You might use "are not similar" when discussing different shades of blue, but "are not comparable" when discussing apples and oranges in the context of nutritional value per calorie.