disproportionate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disproportionate to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is not in proper proportion or balance compared to something else. Example: "The punishment was disproportionate to the crime committed, leading to public outcry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Disproportionate to the provocation.

The New York Times - Books

Disproportionate to what?

The New York Times - Books

His reaction was disproportionate to the provocation.

The New York Times - Sports

The penalty seems wildly disproportionate to his mistakes.

The Economist

Business heads' rewards are disproportionate to their workforce.

The Guardian - Business

And the duo's influence has been disproportionate to its output.

The New York Times - Arts

He called the punishments disproportionate to the crimes.

The New York Times

Clearly, the atmospherics were disproportionate to the threat, but, once scared, it's hard to calm people.

The New Yorker

It's actually disproportionate to the positives, when the economy is going strong".

The New Yorker

The press got it – the press was wildly disproportionate to the sales we had.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The resultant dysregulated inflammatory response often times exceeds physiologic parameters and is disproportionate to the insult.

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disproportionate to", ensure that the two elements being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The reaction was disproportionate to the initial provocation" clearly states the comparison between the reaction and the provocation.

Common error

Avoid using "disproportionate to" without explicitly stating what the comparison is being made to. A vague statement like "The response was disproportionate" lacks clarity. Always specify what the response is disproportionate to for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disproportionate to" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating a lack of proper proportion or balance between two related entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disproportionate to" serves to express an imbalance or lack of appropriate relationship between two entities. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. The analysis indicates that its purpose is to highlight disparities, inconsistencies, or surprising relationships. When using the phrase, clarity is paramount; ensure the comparison is explicit to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "out of proportion to" or "inadequate compared to" can offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. Remember to always maintain a balance between precision and clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of proportion to

Emphasizes the lack of balance or symmetry between two things.

inadequate compared to

Highlights the insufficiency of one thing when measured against another.

unequal in relation to

Focuses on the disparity or lack of equality between two elements.

excessive relative to

Indicates that something is beyond what is considered normal or appropriate in comparison.

not commensurate with

Suggests that two things are not of equal measure or extent.

unbalanced with respect to

Highlights the lack of equilibrium or stability between two things.

in inverse proportion to

Describes an inverse relationship where one thing increases as the other decreases.

too much compared with

Focuses on the overabundance of something when contrasted with something else.

not in line with

Suggests a deviation from what is expected or appropriate.

an overestimation of

Emphasizes the excessive evaluation of one thing compared to another.

FAQs

How can I use "disproportionate to" in a sentence?

Use "disproportionate to" to indicate that something is out of proportion or not in balance with something else. For example: "The punishment was "disproportionate to" the crime".

What phrases are similar to "disproportionate to"?

Alternatives include "out of proportion to", "inadequate compared to", or "not commensurate with depending on the context".

Is it better to say "disproportionate with" or "disproportionate to"?

"Disproportionate to" is the correct and more widely accepted usage. "Disproportionate with" is less common and can sound awkward.

What does it mean when something is described as "disproportionate to" something else?

It means that there is an imbalance or lack of proper relationship between the two things being compared. One is either too large or too small in relation to the other.