be tantamount to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be tantamount to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one thing is equivalent to or has the same effect as another. Example: "In many cultures, failing to respect elders can be seen as being tantamount to disrespecting the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That might be tantamount to giving up.

The Economist

Seamless elegance would be tantamount to erasure.

The New Yorker

Buying in mercenaries would be tantamount to privatising national security.

Independent

It would be tantamount to unilateral partisan disarmament.

The New Yorker

Serial extensions would be tantamount to a permanent extension.

The New York Times

Failure to do so would be tantamount to gross negligence.

Independent

Self-acceptance would be tantamount to self-neglect.

The Guardian

Wouldn't that be tantamount to dancing on a mass grave?

The New York Times - Arts

Returning it to the market would be tantamount to murder.

The New York Times - Food

That would be "tantamount to double jeopardy," he said.

The New York Times

In movement terms, it would be tantamount to lying".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be tantamount to" when you want to emphasize that something has virtually the same negative consequence or effect as something else. This phrase is more impactful than simply stating that two things are similar.

Common error

Avoid using "be tantamount to" when you only want to express a general similarity. The phrase implies a high degree of equivalence, often suggesting that the two things being compared are nearly identical in their outcome or effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be tantamount to" functions as a linking phrase, connecting two elements to indicate that they are essentially equivalent in effect or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be tantamount to" is a linking phrase used to strongly equate two things, typically in terms of their effect or consequence. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media, as well as scientific and formal contexts. When using this phrase, make sure you're highlighting a near-equivalence, not just a general similarity. While alternatives like "be equal to" or "amount to" exist, "be tantamount to" provides a more emphatic and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amount to the same thing as

Expresses that the end result or effect is identical, even if the methods differ.

be virtually the same as

Indicates a very close similarity, with only minor differences that do not significantly alter the overall meaning.

be equivalent to

Highlights a near-perfect match in significance or consequence, suitable when discussing abstract concepts.

equate to

Implies a formal or calculated equivalence, often used when converting values or quantities.

be equal to

Emphasizes a direct equivalence in value or effect, often used in mathematical or quantifiable contexts.

be synonymous with

Suggests that two things are interchangeable in meaning, typically used with words or concepts.

be comparable to

Suggests a strong similarity that allows for meaningful comparison, but not necessarily perfect equivalence.

come down to

Focuses on the essential point or outcome, suggesting that other factors are less important.

constitute

Used when something forms or composes a part of a whole, often in legal or formal contexts.

represent

Highlights how something embodies or symbolizes a larger concept or idea, rather than a direct equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "be tantamount to" in a sentence?

Use "be tantamount to" when you want to say that something is virtually the same as something else, especially in terms of consequences. For example, "Refusing to cooperate would "be tantamount to" admitting guilt".

What is a simpler way to say "be tantamount to"?

While "be tantamount to" adds emphasis, simpler alternatives include "be equal to", "be equivalent to", or "amount to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be tantamount to"?

It's best to use "be tantamount to" in formal writing or speech when you want to convey a strong sense of equivalence, particularly when discussing consequences or implications. It suggests that the two actions or situations are virtually the same in their effect.

What's the difference between "be tantamount to" and "be similar to"?

"Be similar to" indicates a resemblance or likeness, while "be tantamount to" implies a much stronger connection, suggesting that the two things are practically the same in terms of their outcome or significance. Using "be tantamount to" indicates a near-equivalence that "be similar to" does not.