cannot be compared with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be compared with" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used as a comparison to emphasize that two or more objects, ideas, events, people, etc. are so different that they cannot be compared. For example, "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy cannot be compared with any other crisis in recent memory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

It also cannot be compared with the region's other airports.

The Washington Post

Quantities of different dimensions cannot be compared with one another.

Britannica

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Syria, in this context, cannot be compared with its Iranian ally of convenience.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all that, the difficulties are manageable, and cannot be compared with the annihilation suffered during the second world war.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Nato battalions numbering thousands of troops cannot be compared with Russian divisions numbering tens of thousands just across the border.

The Guardian

They simply cannot be compared with other teachers in a meaningful way.

The New York Times - Books

As a result, both organizations say, recent numbers cannot be compared with previous ones.

The New York Times

Because of important differences in structure, the life span of higher plants cannot be compared with that of higher animals.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be compared with" to emphasize significant differences that render direct comparison misleading or inaccurate. This adds precision to your writing, avoiding superficial similarities.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be compared with" when a comparison is possible but simply reveals differences in degree or scale. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be compared with" functions as a comparative expression, specifically emphasizing that two subjects are so dissimilar that a meaningful comparison is impossible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be compared with" is a phrase used to express that two things are so different that a comparison is not meaningful or accurate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources to emphasize significant distinctions. Alternatives include "bears no comparison to" and "is incommensurable with". Use this phrase when you want to highlight the uniqueness of something and avoid misleading comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bears no comparison to

Highlights the inadequacy of comparing two distinct subjects.

not analogous to

Emphasizes a lack of similarity or correspondence between two things.

is incommensurable with

Suggests that two things cannot be measured or judged by the same standard.

stands apart from

Suggests that something is unique and separate from others.

does not equate to

Focuses on the lack of equivalence between two items.

diverges significantly from

Emphasizes a marked difference or deviation between two things.

fundamentally different from

Highlights the basic, underlying differences between two things.

distinct from

Simply emphasizes the difference rather than the impossibility of comparison.

unlike

A simpler way of pointing out differences without implying incomparability.

unrelated to

Indicates a complete absence of connection or relevance.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be compared with" to emphasize that two things are so different that a direct comparison is not meaningful. For example, "The challenges of starting a business today "cannot be compared with" those of 50 years ago."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be compared with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "bears no comparison to", "is incommensurable with", or "fundamentally different from", each emphasizing the dissimilarity in slightly different ways.

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

It's appropriate when the differences between two subjects are so fundamental that a comparison would be misleading or inaccurate. Use it to highlight the uniqueness of something rather than simply noting differences.

What's the difference between "cannot be compared with" and "different from"?

"Different from" simply indicates that two things are not the same. "Cannot be compared with" implies a much stronger divergence, suggesting that the items belong to entirely different categories or scales and that any comparison would be invalid.