be matched by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be matched by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is as great in one respect as it is in another. For example, "The quality of the product was matched by its affordability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Words must be matched by deeds".

The New York Times

Mr. Wilson's grant is to be matched by other benefactors.

The New York Times

The state's money would be matched by private donors.

The New York Times

The state grant must be matched by private donations.

The New York Times - Arts

"Our security fightback must be matched by a social fightback.

The Guardian

"Their rhetoric needs to be matched by action.

The Guardian

Her generosity of spirit should be matched by yours.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cristiano Ronaldo can only be matched by... Luís Figo.

The Guardian - Sport

"Their boldness needs to be matched by the richer countries".

The New York Times

More resources must be matched by better performance.

The Guardian

Frontloaded funding needs to be matched by frontloaded savings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be matched by", ensure that the elements being compared are clearly defined and relevant to each other to maintain clarity and logical coherence within your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be matched by" when the comparison is illogical or disproportionate. For example, avoid saying "His enthusiasm should be matched by the color blue", as enthusiasm cannot be logically compared to a color.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be matched by" functions as a passive voice construction used to draw a comparison between two elements, asserting that one should correspond in quality, intensity, or degree to the other. This grammatical role is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its validity and usability in English writing. Examples from Ludwig show its use in news, business and science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be matched by" is a versatile and correct phrase used to emphasize the need for proportionality or equivalence between two related elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating its widespread applicability. When writing, ensure that the comparison is logical and the elements being compared are clearly defined. Alternatives such as ""be equaled by"" or ""be paralleled by"" can be used for nuanced expressions. Avoiding mismatched comparisons and maintaining a logical flow are key to effectively using this phrase. This guide, supported by real-world examples from authoritative sources, should enhance your understanding and application of "be matched by" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be equaled by

Focuses on equivalence in quantity, quality, or degree.

be paralleled by

Emphasizes a similarity in development or form.

be mirrored by

Suggests a direct reflection or close correspondence.

be complemented by

Indicates that something is enhanced or completed by something else.

be balanced by

Implies a state of equilibrium or equal distribution of weight or force.

be rivaled by

Highlights competition in terms of quality or achievement.

be comparable to

Focuses on the ability to draw comparisons due to shared characteristics.

be in line with

Suggests agreement or conformity.

be in accordance with

Highlights compliance with rules or standards.

correspond to

Indicates a direct relationship or analogy between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "be matched by" in a sentence?

Use "be matched by" to show that two things are equal or proportional in some way. For instance, "The intensity of the storm should be matched by the urgency of our response" indicates that our reaction needs to be as strong as the storm itself.

What is a good alternative to "be matched by"?

Alternatives include "be equaled by", "be paralleled by", or "be complemented by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "be matched by" or "equal"?

"Be matched by" implies a proportional or corresponding relationship, while "equal" simply states that two things are the same. Use "be matched by" when you want to emphasize the balance between two elements, and "equal" when you want to state their equivalence directly.

What’s the difference between "be matched by" and "be balanced by"?

"Be matched by" indicates a similarity in degree or quality, whereas "be balanced by" implies equilibrium or counteraction. Use "be matched by" to show correspondence and "be balanced by" to show offsetting forces or elements.