at a comparable rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a comparable rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the similarity of rates or speeds between two or more entities or processes. Example: "The two companies are growing at a comparable rate, indicating a similar level of market demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

EBs formed within 48 h of culture in the Novapod™ bioreactor, with EcadAb ES cells forming EBs at a comparable rate with no obvious differences in morphology or size compared to wtES cell derived EBs (Figure 5A(i) and (ii) respectively; d3 shown).

Plosone

In the UK, Manchester was the only local economy to grow at a comparable rate to London throughout the 2000s.

The Guardian - Opinion

With only seven years having elapsed since the last revival, let's hope new audience members are sprouting up at a comparable rate.

The New York Times

In 2003, Dr. Pimm and his colleagues studied records of birds from forest fragments in the Amazon and found species going extinct at a comparable rate.

The New York Times - Science

Ben Ayers, the Nepal country director for the dZi Foundation and a longtime advocate for trekking porters' rights, said that fees should be increased to ensure Sherpas are properly insured: "If the lives of Sherpas were insured at a comparable rate to foreign climbers, that might change the way people think about the risks they face on the mountain.

The Guardian

Myoblasts adhered, proliferated, and differentiated on the modified gels at a comparable rate as those cultured on the unmodified gels.

Biomaterials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

However, it is reasonable to assume that incidents are reported at a nationally comparable rate at the study hospital [ 24] and therefore the patterns emerging in this data set are likely to be transferable.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Public universities are not hesitant about raising tuition costs, but federal financial aid is not increasing at a remotely comparable rate.

The New York Times

Currently nearly 100%% curability has been achieved for EGC with radical surgery, thus ESD is also expected to be performed at a comparable success rate.

Gastric Cancer

TRAMP mice bearing or lacking iNKT cells responded similarly to a tumor-specific vaccination and developed tolerance to a tumor-associated antigen at comparable rate.

Plosone

Despite the limitation of SNP selection, we have shown that common SNPs occur within CD-1 mice at a rate comparable to the rate observed within wild-caught mice [21].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the growth or decline of two different entities, use "at a comparable rate" to highlight the similarity in their trajectories. For example, "Although Company A had a head start, Company B is now growing at a comparable rate."

Common error

Avoid using "at a comparable rate" when the situation calls for emphasizing difference rather than similarity. For instance, if one process is significantly faster than another, it's better to use phrases like "at a much faster rate" or "at a significantly slower pace" to accurately reflect the disparity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a comparable rate" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the speed or pace at which an action occurs. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing similar rates of growth, decline, or progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a comparable rate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that two or more things are progressing at a similar pace or level. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. When employing this phrase, ensure you're highlighting a genuine similarity rather than masking significant differences. While alternatives like "at a similar speed" or "at an equivalent pace" exist, understanding the specific nuances of each option ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a similar speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed", emphasizing the velocity aspect. Slight change in focus, but meaning remains very close.

at an equivalent pace

Substitutes "comparable" with "equivalent" and "rate" with "pace", maintaining the idea of similarity and tempo.

at a matching tempo

Uses "matching" instead of "comparable" and "tempo" in place of "rate", highlighting rhythm and speed.

in a similar proportion

Focuses on proportional similarity rather than speed, broadening the context slightly.

at a parallel degree

Replaces "comparable rate" with "parallel degree", suggesting a matching level or extent.

at an analogous level

Uses "analogous" to express similarity in level, shifting focus from rate to magnitude.

with similar frequency

Highlights the recurrence aspect, using "frequency" instead of "rate" for a subtle shift in emphasis.

in like measure

A more formal and concise way of expressing similarity in quantity or extent.

to the same extent

Emphasizes the degree or scope of similarity, differing slightly from a rate or speed context.

on par with

Implies equality or equivalence, which can be used when rates are nearly identical.

FAQs

How can I use "at a comparable rate" in a sentence?

Use "at a comparable rate" to indicate that two or more things are changing or progressing at roughly the same speed or level. For example, "Both populations are increasing "at a comparable rate"".

What's a simpler way to say "at a comparable rate"?

Alternatives include "similarly", "at a similar speed", or "at an equivalent pace", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at a comparative rate" instead of "at a comparable rate"?

While "comparative" relates to comparison, "comparable" indicates similarity. "At a comparable rate" is the more appropriate choice when you mean something is happening at a similar pace or level.

What is the difference between "at a comparable rate" and "at a similar rate"?

The phrases are nearly interchangeable. "Comparable" suggests they are worthy of comparison and found to be alike, whereas "similar" simply means they share characteristics. The nuance is minimal, and both are generally acceptable.