comparable in size to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparable in size to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to compare the size of one thing to another, indicating that they are similar in size. Example: The new sports car is comparable in size to a compact sedan, making it suitable for city driving.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Today, the region, comparable in size to New Mexico, is parched.

The New York Times

By rolling these sheets, they created tubular structures comparable in size to a single bull sperm.

The Guardian

Roughly comparable in size to today's Suburban, the first Travelalls were two-door models.

The New York Times

"Most of the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg are comparable in size to today's home lots," he said.

The New York Times

In both China and the Persian Gulf, cities comparable in size to New York have sprouted up almost overnight.

The New York Times - Magazine

He cited Bristol-Myers Squibb, a company comparable in size to Schering with an attractive product pipeline.

The New York Times

Mr. Koons's sculpture also comes in a 10 ½-inch version, comparable in size to the bookends.

The New York Times - Arts

These star systems exhibit scales comparable in size to that of the solar system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

True carnosaurs had limbs comparable in size to those of more basal theropods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It all consumed enormous amounts of fuel: in 2010, Bagram Airfield, which was comparable in size to KAF, used nearly 1.6 million gallons per week.

The New Yorker

The work force needed to service, say, $100 billion in student loans must surely be comparable in size to the work force needed to lend the same amount.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comparable in size to" when you want to emphasize the similarity in dimensions between two distinct objects or entities.

Common error

Avoid using "comparable in size to" when comparing attributes that are not related to physical dimensions. For instance, it's incorrect to say 'The challenge was comparable in size to their ambition.' Instead, use phrases like 'comparable in scope' or 'comparable in intensity'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparable in size to" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, indicating a similarity in dimensions between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparable in size to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate a similarity in dimensions between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical soundness. It's versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific articles, and general informational contexts. When using the phrase, ensure consistency in measurement units and avoid applying it to non-dimensional attributes. Alternatives include "similar in magnitude to" or "akin in dimensions to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

akin in dimensions to

Replaces "comparable" with "akin", suggesting a resemblance in dimensions, but might sound more formal.

similar in magnitude to

Substitutes "size" with "magnitude", often used in scientific or technical contexts.

on par in area with

Specifies the comparison to "area" instead of general size, and uses "on par", which implies equality.

roughly equivalent in scale to

Replaces "comparable" with "roughly equivalent" and "size" with "scale", indicating an approximate equivalence.

matching in extent to

Uses "matching" instead of "comparable" and "extent" instead of "size", often suitable when referring to geographical areas or abstract concepts.

of a similar scale as

Emphasizes the relative scale rather than absolute size, offering a more general comparison.

nearly identical in bulk to

Focuses on "bulk", implying a comparison of volume or mass.

in the same ballpark as

An informal expression indicating approximate similarity in size or amount.

bears comparison in respect to size with

Highlights that a comparison is being made specifically with regard to size.

of approximately equal proportions to

Focuses on the "proportions" offering comparison with similar ratios.

FAQs

How can I use "comparable in size to" in a sentence?

Use "comparable in size to" to indicate that two items have approximately the same dimensions. For example: "The new stadium is comparable in size to the old one."

What can I say instead of "comparable in size to"?

You can use alternatives like "similar in magnitude to", "akin in dimensions to", or "roughly equivalent in scale to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "comparable in size to" or "comparable to in size"?

"Comparable in size to" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Comparable to in size" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.

What's the difference between "comparable in size to" and "similar in size to"?

While both phrases indicate similarity in dimensions, "comparable in size to" often suggests a more direct and noticeable resemblance, whereas "similar in size to" can imply a less precise or general likeness.