cannot match

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot match" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something cannot be compared to something else in terms of quality or quantity. For example, "The beauty of the Grand Canyon cannot match that of the Rocky Mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Supply cannot match demand.

The Economist

Even Istabraq cannot match that.

The Guardian - Sport

"I cannot match Laura's pace," he said.

The New York Times

"I cannot match up against her.

The New York Times - Sports

Christian Delouvrier cannot match his predecessor's pyrotechnics.

The New York Times - Food

That is strength in numbers the Internationals simply cannot match.

The New York Times - Sports

With a few exceptions Europe cannot match with such sums.

The Economist

He cannot match Hillary Clinton's organisation on the ground.

The Economist

'Many teams cannot match Munster's ferocity,' he said starkly.

The Guardian - Sport

It offers quality and convenience that MP3 cannot match.

The New York Times - Tech

Well-fed conservation-minded Britain cannot match that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot match" to clearly express when one thing is inferior to another in a specific context. Ensure the comparison is logical and the context is clear for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot match" when a simple difference or distinction is sufficient. It's best suited for scenarios where a clear disparity in quality, quantity, or ability exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot match" functions as a comparative verb phrase, expressing an inability or failure to equal or surpass something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Many of the examples found by Ludwig are used to make comparisons in news articles, academic publications, and technical documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot match" is a versatile expression used to indicate that one thing is inferior or unequal to another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, attests to its utility. When using "cannot match", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context supports the implied disparity. Related phrases like "unable to equal" or "fall short of" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, and this guide offers practical tips for both best practices and avoiding common errors. "Cannot match" serves to establish differences and inequalities in a neutral and effective manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to equal

Focuses on the inability to reach the same level or standard.

fall short of

Highlights the failure to meet a specific requirement or expectation.

pale in comparison to

Emphasizes the diminished significance of one thing when compared to another.

cannot compete with

Stresses the inability to effectively contend against something.

does not measure up to

Indicates a failure to meet a certain standard or level of quality.

cannot hold a candle to

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the vast difference in quality or ability.

is no substitute for

Highlights the lack of equivalence or replacement value.

cannot be compared with

Emphasizes the lack of common ground for comparison.

is not in the same league as

Indicates a significant difference in skill or status.

cannot touch

Informal phrase to indicate that something can't come close to reach the quality of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot match" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot match" to express that something is inferior to something else. For example, "The speed of light "cannot match" the speed of thought".

What are some alternatives to "cannot match"?

Alternatives include "unable to equal", "fall short of", or "pale in comparison to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "cannot match" or "does not compare to"?

Both are correct, but "cannot match" emphasizes a more significant difference, while "does not compare to" simply indicates a lack of direct comparability.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "cannot match"?

Avoid using "cannot match" in situations where you simply want to highlight a difference without implying inferiority. In such cases, phrases like "differs from" or "is distinct from" may be more suitable.