cannot be compared

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be compared" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to indicate that two or more things cannot be compared because they are unlike in nature. For example, "The grandeur of a mountain range cannot be compared to the beauty of a sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They cannot be compared.

The New York Times

But Stalin's crimes cannot be compared to Hitler's.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The budgets cannot be compared with the growth in need.

The Guardian

Thus, results often cannot be compared — or reproduced.

The New Yorker

This cannot be compared to any principle of taxation.

The New York Times

"The quality of my life cannot be compared to England – I've forgotten what stress is".

The Guardian

The United States, with 140 major airports, cannot be compared to smaller nations.

The New York Times

THE auditorium at Vedic Heritage, a Hindu temple in Hempstead, cannot be compared with Carnegie Hall.

The New York Times

These are "makeshift camps", he stresses, that cannot be compared to the relative permanence of Zaatari.

The Guardian

"Ansar al-Sharia's presence there and mine here cannot be compared," he counters.

The Guardian

But these two airport rescues cannot be compared with the events in Mumbai.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be compared" to emphasize distinct differences, preventing misleading assumptions about similarities.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be compared" without adequately explaining the fundamental differences. Vague statements diminish the phrase's impact and may confuse readers. Instead, pinpoint specific attributes that make the comparison invalid to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be compared" functions as a declarative statement expressing the inability to establish a meaningful comparison between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English and provides numerous examples showcasing its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be compared" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to indicate that two or more things are so fundamentally different that any comparison between them would be invalid or misleading. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides many examples of its use. It's frequently found in news and media, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly articulate why the items in question lack comparability. Alternatives include "are incomparable" or "bear no comparison", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not comparable

A direct synonym, simply replacing "cannot" with "are not".

are incomparable

Replaces the verb phrase "cannot be compared" with a single adjective, maintaining the core meaning of lacking comparison.

bear no comparison

Emphasizes the absence of any valid comparison between the subjects.

cannot be equated

Emphasizes the lack of equivalence, making comparison irrelevant.

defy comparison

Highlights the extreme difference, suggesting that any comparison is futile.

differ vastly

Focuses on the significant differences that preclude meaningful comparison.

are dissimilar

Highlights the fundamental differences that prevent a useful comparison.

stand apart

Suggests a unique quality that makes comparison inappropriate.

are worlds apart

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a vast difference, making direct comparison impossible.

are on different levels

Indicates a difference in scale or quality, hindering comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be compared" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be compared" to emphasize the significant differences between two or more subjects, indicating a direct comparison is invalid or misleading. For example, "The quality of life here "cannot be compared" to that of a bustling city."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be compared"?

Alternatives include "are incomparable", "bear no comparison", or "are not comparable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be compared"?

It's appropriate when the subjects are so different that any comparison would be inaccurate or irrelevant. This often happens when subjects belong to different categories or operate under entirely different conditions.

Is "cannot be compared" too strong of a statement?

It can be if the differences are minor. Consider alternatives like "differ significantly" or "are markedly different" if the subjects have some similarities but noticeable distinctions.