comparable to what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparable to what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for a specific reference or standard to which something is being compared. Example: "The performance of the new model is impressive, but I need to know, comparable to what?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do we experience anything comparable to what we call 'consciousness'consciousness

Independent

Is it comparable to what Mr. Guerlain did?

The New York Times

The connection between heavy rainfall and TCs is comparable to what observed in terms of flooding.

Journal of Hydrology

Data shows a high variability of M. hyorhinis comparable to what is observed for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Veterinary Microbiology

It's comparable to what was being bet at the turn of the century.

University of Pennsylvania

"What we went through is not comparable to what they went through," Alrifai said.

Harvard University

And the diligent service is comparable to what one finds in a restaurant twice the price.

The New York Times - Travel

The tile selection is comparable to what you might see in a showroom, at similar prices.

The New York Times

"What we are spending is pretty comparable to what other institutions would be spending," he said.

The New York Times

"My loss is not comparable to what happened to those families," he said recently.

The New York Times

The production quality is not comparable to what you see on most Western TV.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparable to what", ensure the reference point for comparison is clear and well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "comparable to what" without a clear point of reference. Ensure that the comparison provides meaningful insight, rather than leaving the audience wondering what the basis of comparison is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparable to what" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to solicit further information about a comparison. It seeks to understand the reference point against which something is being measured, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comparable to what" is a common and grammatically sound way to ask for clarification on a comparison. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources shows its prevalence across news, scientific, and academic contexts. It is a neutral phrase used to prompt elaboration on the basis of an assessment, ensuring clearer understanding. While versatile, it's important to use "comparable to what" with a clear reference point to avoid vagueness. According to Ludwig, alternatives like "in comparison to what" or "relative to what" can offer a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparison to what

Directly indicates a comparison is being made to assess the qualities of two things.

equivalent to what

Implies that two things are essentially the same in value, meaning, or effect.

similar to what

Expresses a general resemblance or likeness, without specifying the degree of similarity.

analogous to what

Suggests a parallel or correspondence, particularly in function or relationship.

corresponding to what

Highlights a direct relationship or match between two things.

akin to what

Indicates a similarity in nature or qualities, often implying a loose resemblance rather than an exact match.

relative to what

Expresses the idea that something should be judged or understood in comparison with something else.

on par with what

Indicates that something is at the same level or standard as something else.

matching what

Signifies that something corresponds exactly with something else.

in line with what

Implies agreement or conformity with a set standard or expectation.

FAQs

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

Use "comparable to what" to ask for clarification on a comparison. For example, "The new phone's battery life is improved, but comparable to what?"

What's a more formal alternative to "comparable to what"?

In formal contexts, you might use "in comparison to what" or "relative to what" for a more sophisticated tone. For example, "The results are significant, but in comparison to what standard?"

Is "comparable to what" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "comparable to what" is acceptable, but ensure that the comparison is precise and contributes to the analysis. It may be more appropriate to explicitly state the comparison rather than posing it as a question. Alternatively you can use "relative to what".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "comparable to what"?

Similar phrases include "akin to what", "similar to what", or "analogous to what", which all suggest a degree of similarity or equivalence.