comparable

USAGE SUMMARY

"comparable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are similar, equivalent, or of equal value. For example, "The two houses were comparable in size, but one had more amenities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interviewing is a fascinating process, but there is a noticeable difference in how women present themselves compared with men – usually with far less confidence in their ideas, despite comparable or better educational backgrounds.

The Guardian

Across the wider Whitbread group, third-quarter comparable sales were up 3.3%, with the group's Premier Inn hotel chain making gains against declining revenues in the hotel industry.

The Guardian - Business

"If I were back in oil and gas, a comparable figure for the same amount of activity would be between 30 and 60 people – the difference is that stark.

The Guardian - Business

I have to say The Theory of Everything is comparable in many ways, with similar narrative tropes and tricks about flawed-genius scientists – but The Theory of Everything is a much realer, truer and less cliched story.

The Guardian - Film

At the last election in 2010, Cameron – the first Tory leader since the 1960s to be educated at Eton college and Oxford University, an upper-class combination somewhat comparable to the Ivy League – successfully ousted Labour after 13 years of Blair and then Gordon Brown, but his 306 seats to Labour's 258 left him 20 short of an outright majority.

The Guardian

In India, a fully electric car generates emissions comparable to a 20 MPG (US gallon) petrol vehicle whereas in Paraguay, using one produces emissions comparable to a 218 MPG petrol vehicle.

The Guardian

Comparable services from Netflix cost from £5.99 a month, so £72 a year – but without free Amazon delivery.

The Guardian - Money

Unless there is a comparable byelection triggered by an expenses issue in a Tory seat it will be hard to know.

The Guardian - Opinion

Analysis of 20 comparable results during July suggests a projected 0.2% nationwide Tory lead over Labour.

The Guardian

International hopes were raised when the Arab League last month spoke for the first time about a Palestinian state on 1967 borders with "comparable and mutually agreed minor swaps of the land".

The Guardian

The University of Kent say: "Our Medway campus is an integral part of the university and the facilities and initiatives offered to students there are comparable with those offered at the main campus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, specify the criteria for comparison to provide context for why the items are "comparable".

Common error

Ensure you specify what aspects are being compared. Saying "these results are comparable" lacks clarity; specify "these results are comparable in terms of accuracy".

Linguistic Context

The word "comparable" functions primarily as an adjective. It describes something that can be likened or compared to another, implying similarity or equivalence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparable" is a versatile adjective used to describe similarities or equivalence between items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, indicating its widespread use in objective comparisons. When using "comparable", ensure clear context and specific criteria for comparison to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "similar" or "equivalent" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to clarify what aspects are being compared to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar

Indicates a general resemblance without necessarily implying direct comparison.

equivalent

Suggests that two things are equal or interchangeable in value or effect.

analogous

Implies a similarity in some respects, often used in argumentation or explanation.

corresponding

Indicates a direct relationship or matching characteristic between two things.

alike

A simpler term for similar, often used in informal contexts.

matching

Implies a perfect correspondence or exact similarity.

related

Indicates a connection or association, but not necessarily direct similarity.

akin

Suggests a resemblance in spirit or character.

commensurate

Implies a proportional or corresponding relationship in size or degree.

parallel

Suggests a resemblance or similarity, especially in development or structure.

FAQs

How to use "comparable" in a sentence?

You can use "comparable" to describe things that are similar or equivalent. For example, "The two products are "comparable" in price but differ in features".

What can I say instead of "comparable"?

You can use alternatives like "similar", "equivalent", or "analogous" depending on the context.

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

"Comparable to" is generally preferred when highlighting similarities, while "comparable with" is used when discussing the act of comparing itself.

What's the difference between "comparable" and "relative"?

"Comparable" implies a degree of similarity or equivalence, while "relative" indicates a relationship or dependence on something else. Things that are "comparable" share common attributes, whereas things that are "relative" are judged in relation to a standard.