commensurate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "commensurate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is equal in size, amount, or degree in relation to something else. For example: "The punishment should be commensurate with the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, new recruits to the workforce were told they had to get a degree – and a shedload of debt – to get ahead, only to come out and find there weren't the commensurate jobs for them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Superficially, therefore, it appears that the Conservative party‟s investment of effort in reforming the rules governing boundary reviews may not be commensurate with the likely returns in terms of removing entirely Labour‟s current electoral advantage.

The Guardian

They draw attention to "the damage that the government's policies have done to the health of the British population, as well as areas where it has failed to take action commensurate to the scale and nature of the threat to health".

The Guardian

For developing countries, commitments should be commensurate with each nation's stage of economic development.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before the election Cameron sloppily conceded more devolution to Edinburgh with no commensurate fiscal responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I put in the effort that was commensurate with that".

The Guardian

If they fund it but fail to reform it, they find themselves confronted by galloping health-care inflation and the accusation that they have raised spending, without commensurate results.

The Economist

The first with health care as a prime example—is that throwing money at a problem before nailing down the reforms needed to secure commensurate improvements is not enough.

The Economist

Labour had forecasted a fiscal benefit of £6 billion a year overly optimistic, nearly commensurate with the estimated fiscal benefit of immigration to the United States, which is a much bigger economy.

The Economist

He failed to match his 1981 tax cuts with commensurate cuts in public spending, setting off a huge explosion in the deficit.

The Economist

Commercial banks are also often rumoured as potential buyers of Wall Street's remaining independent houses.Is big beautiful?So far, however, this extra capital put to work in the industry has not led to a commensurate rise in profitability hence the precipitous drop in return on equity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commensurate", ensure that the relationship between the items being compared is clear and that the scale or measure is appropriate for both.

Common error

Avoid using "commensurate" when the items being compared lack a shared scale or measurable aspect. Ensure a clear relationship exists for the comparison to be valid.

Linguistic Context

The term "commensurate" primarily functions as an adjective used to describe a relationship between two or more things that are proportional or equivalent. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a measurable standard, as seen in the example from Senator Mike Mansfield.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commensurate" functions as an adjective indicating proportionality or equivalence, commonly used in news, business, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct. It's crucial to ensure a clear relationship exists between the compared items, avoiding misuse in scenarios lacking a measurable aspect. Alternatives include "proportionate" and "equivalent", offering subtle differences in emphasis. The examples found by Ludwig underscore its relevance in contexts requiring a balanced or justifiable relationship, making it a valuable term in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proportionate

Implies a direct relationship in size or amount.

Equivalent

Stresses equality in value, force, or meaning.

Corresponding

Highlights a similarity or analogy between two things.

Comparable

Suggests that two things are similar enough to be compared.

In proportion

Indicates a balanced or harmonious relationship.

Matching

Emphasizes a direct correspondence or fit.

Consistent

Highlights an agreement or harmony in a set of elements.

Aligned

Suggests that items are adjusted to a line or common direction.

Calibrated

Implies a precise adjustment to ensure accuracy.

Tuned

Similar to calibrated, but implies a more refined adjustment.

FAQs

How do you use "commensurate" in a sentence?

Use "commensurate" to describe something that is in proportion or corresponds in degree to something else. For example, "The salary should be commensurate with the experience required for the job."

What can I say instead of "commensurate"?

You can use alternatives like "proportionate", "equivalent", or "corresponding" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "commensurate to" or "commensurate with"?

"Commensurate with" is the correct and more widely accepted usage. Saying "commensurate to" is generally considered incorrect.

What's the difference between "commensurate" and "proportionate"?

While both imply a balanced relationship, "commensurate" often suggests a more precise or measurable correspondence, whereas "proportionate" generally refers to a more general or harmonious relationship.