comparable to death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparable to death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, feeling, or experience that is as severe or impactful as death. Example: "The loss of her childhood home felt comparable to death, as it marked the end of an era in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The overall death rate for Explorer occupants in all types of crashes is 24percentt lower than the overall rate for other mid-size sport utilities, and is comparable to death rates for cars because Explorer occupants fare well in collisions with other vehicles, Mr. Grush said.

The New York Times

Now for some, a bit of shearing might not be so bad, but for an artist being sheared is comparable to death.

Huffington Post

These numbers are comparable to death rates previously reported in the UK [ 6].

BMC Pediatrics

Furthermore, death rates from IGASI in Montreal were comparable to death rates calculated for British Colombia (20 ) and Sweden (19, 22 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

A minimum utility score of 0 is where a participant rated the HS comparable to death and a maximum utility score of 1 is where the participant was unwilling to trade any time.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Deaths caused by influenza in Singapore over the past decade were ≈14.8 per 100,000 person-years, which is comparable to deaths caused by this disease in the temperate United States and subtropical Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China (6 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Kaptan argued that mandatory chemical castration was an inhumane punishment comparable to the death penalty.

The Guardian

"This is comparable to the death of Diana," Mr. Barker said of the tokens of grief.

The New York Times

In many ways it is comparable to the death of a loved one or the ending of a relationship.

Huffington Post

Neonatal deaths were excluded from this part of the analysis because the conditions mentioned on their death certificates include conditions in the mother and in the baby, so they are not directly comparable to those deaths where the deceased were aged 28 days or older.

BMJ Open

In any case, the number of male pleural mesothelioma deaths in Germany reported for 1995 (632 deaths) and 1996 (625 deaths) were closely comparable to 1997 (632 deaths).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparable to death", ensure that the context clearly establishes the aspect being compared. This helps avoid misinterpretations and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "comparable to death" lightly or in contexts where the comparison is an exaggeration. Overusing it dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparable to death" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its similarity in impact or severity to death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comparable to death" serves to underscore the gravity of a situation, conveying its severity and finality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Usage is relatively rare but consistent across news and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is justified and not an overstatement, and be mindful of the tone to maintain credibility. Synonyms such as "akin to death" or "tantamount to death" may offer alternative nuances. While grammatically sound, its effectiveness hinges on appropriate and restrained application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

akin to death

Replaces "comparable" with "akin", implying a similarity in nature or quality.

tantamount to death

Substitutes "comparable" with "tantamount", indicating equivalence in effect or value.

equal to death

Uses "equal" instead of "comparable", suggesting the same degree or amount.

on par with death

Employs "on par" to convey a similar level or standard as death.

mirrors death

Replaces "comparable to" with "mirrors", implying a strong resemblance or reflection of death.

resembles death

Indicates a similarity in appearance or qualities to death.

analogous to death

Suggests a parallel or correspondence with death in certain aspects.

equivalent to death

Indicates that something has the same value, force, meaning, or effect as death.

as serious as death

Focuses on the gravity and seriousness being similar to that of death.

approximates death

Suggests that something comes close to the experience or impact of death.

FAQs

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

Use "comparable to death" to describe situations or experiences that evoke a sense of finality, severity, or profound impact akin to death. For example, "For an artist, creative block can feel "comparable to death"".

What phrases are similar to "comparable to death"?

You can use phrases such as "akin to death", "tantamount to death", or "equal to death" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "comparable to death" in writing?

It is appropriate when describing events or feelings that carry an overwhelming sense of loss, finality, or severity, and when the comparison to death enhances the reader's understanding of the gravity of the situation. Be mindful not to overuse it, as that could diminish its impact.

Is "comparable to death" an overused expression?

While not inherently overused, its effectiveness relies on the context. If used excessively or inappropriately, it can lose its impact and appear melodramatic. Consider the context and explore synonyms like "as serious as death" to add variety to your writing.